The players repeat the same position as their last game, which makes sense for Niemann; had it not been for his one-move blunder, his position would have been looking very promising.
Let's see if he can rectify his mistake and play for the win!
Giri decides to go for a new plan, capturing in the center instead of keeping the position closed. This is not without risk, however, as he now allows Niemann's knight to enter the position.
While giving room to his light-squared bishop makes sense, Giri has now given additional weaknesses for Niemann to work with. This position already looks dreadful for Giri, as he may once again end up getting crushed on the kingside.
Giri now has a space disadvantage on the kingside in addition to his light-squared bishop being trapped at the edge of the board. Niemann has an immense initiative, and Giri is in very real danger of getting crushed by Niemann's attack.
While there are no immediate threats against Giri's position for now, Niemann has a permanent space advantage that isn't easily dealt with.
Giri will have to rely on Niemann making big mistakes to come back in this game.
Niemann continues making slow improvements in his position, abusing the fact that Giri will struggle to make any particular improvements in his position. Niemann's bishop pair is currently dominating the position, having both offensive and defensive roles.
Niemann finally goes for the pawn break that was needed to make progress. While this move opens up for Giri's bishop, his passed pawn is now a very dangerous threat in the position.
Niemann has managed to maintain his advantage and is starting to create undefendable threats.
Niemann moves his bishop to a square that's seemingly defended, but the tactics work out in his favor. Giri's position is very close to falling apart, but he' still fighting to keep his position intact.
When the dust settles, Niemann is left with a completely winning endgame, having two extra pawns and very active pieces.
Niemann fails to convert a completely winning endgame and loses on time!!!
After completely outplaying Anish Giri for the entire game, Niemann failed to convert his winning advantage with very little time on his clock. Not only did Giri manage to save the game, but he also ended up taking the entire match!
An incredibly painful loss for Niemann, who fails to qualify for the main tournament despite looking to be in great shape throughout the tournament. Anish Giri can breathe a sigh of relief, as he is officially the third qualified player through the last-chance tournament!
Niemann on the verge of elimination!
It's now or never for Niemann, as he needs to win one of the two remaining games. The game with the white pieces will provide him with the best chances, and we're expecting Niemann to take risks to play for a win in this one.