Vitiugov
Hikaru
Vitiugov
 
Hikaru
 
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
a1
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
1
19
38 turns without comments
20

Still a lot of tension on the board, as Vitiugov will hope to avoid a second defeat in a row. His team must win this match to take it into the tiebreaks!

Bd3
20
25
10 turns without comments
25

A lot to juggle for both sides, with play happening on left and right flank, as well as lots of central pawn tension.

00:-07 Bb5
26
28
5 turns without comments
28
Ra5
29

Vitiugov takes the first opportunity!

c4
29
30
2 turns without comments
30

Vitiugov with a great chance at winning here, much more space and better placed pieces!

Rc8
31
38
16 turns without comments
39

Vitiugov has 'jumped the gun', and there's some chance for Hikaru to hold the balance with best play here. But in practice it's very tough.

Bxc5
39
40
3 turns without comments
41

Moves flooding in now. Vitiugov has a huge protected passed pawn and an extra pawn to boot. But his king's a bit shaky.

Qb2
41
54
26 turns without comments
54

Hikaru doing Hikaru things! He just somehow manages to trick Vitiugov in a near-losing endgame and not only draw, but he in fact emerges victorious! A huge result as it kills any last bit of hope that Malcolm's Mates may have had.

WR Chess Team are through to the quarterfinals!

Rxb1