Chess isn’t always an exact science and Ian Nepomniatchtchi knows it. At the 31st move of the 8th game of the world championship in Astana, in a desperate position, the Russian attempted a bluff by placing his queen on h4. Ding Liren, psychologically weakened by his defeat in time in the previous game (a rarity at the highest level), did not provide the necessary calculation effort to refute what was in reality only a show of the mischievous “Neppo”. After a few skirmishes the Russian Grand Master even ended up tearing off by sacrificing a knight to obtain three kingside passes. Finally flattened, the position was finally declared a draw on the 45th move on the proposal of Ding Liren.
After eight games (out of 14) the world No. 2 continues to race in the lead, leading 4.5-3.5. This relative setback by Ding Liren looks like an unexpected windfall for Nepo who should have laid down his king today. However, all is not lost for the Chinese grandmaster, who despite tactical mistakes in defense, psychological weaknesses linked to his lack of experience in high-stakes matches, and difficulties in managing his time appropriately reflection, sometimes seems to be reborn from its ashes when we thought it had been destroyed.
Watch the videoRelive the 7th game of the World Chess Championship
On Friday, April 21, Ding will lead the black pieces in Game 9. He knows that his opponent with the advantage of the line will try everything to achieve the break, that is to say takes an almost decisive advantage of two points. He still has all the cards in his hand. If he resists, he will have two white games left until the 14th game… the last two arrows in his quiver.
