MVL opts for the timeless Ruy Lopez, aiming for a rich and strategic battle from the opening.
MVL places his king on the kingside, securing safety and bringing his rook closer to the center.
Caruana also castles kingside, ensuring his king’s safety.
With queens off the board, the game transitions into a tense and highly strategic queenless middlegame.
As the 2025 Sinquefield Cup enters its penultimate round, today’s matchup is a crucial showdown: Maxime Vachier-Lagrave vs Fabiano Caruana.
With just two games remaining, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Caruana currently leads the tournament, now jointly with Praggnanandhaa, and a strong result today could allow him to maintain or even extend his advantage heading into the final round.
Caruana comes in well-rested after a solid, early draw against Aronian in Round 7, ready to press with confidence. MVL, meanwhile, fought through a long, intense draw with Sevian, and will be looking to challenge the leader and make a statement of his own.
The big question: will Caruana continue his momentum, stay sharp, and carry his lead into the final round or can MVL disrupt the standings with a decisive result?