Ian Nepomniachtchi, a two-time Candidates winner who later lost world title matches to Magnus Carlsen and Ding Liren, faced Hans Niemann, whose 2022 encounter with Carlsen features in the Netflix film Untold: Chess Mates. The pair finished an eight-game match in Belgrade this week level after each secured one victory and six draws. Nepomniachtchi took the opening game while Niemann claimed the final encounter after his opponent overlooked a clear winning chance in game seven. They contested two games daily under a fast classical time control of one hour per player plus a thirty-second increment. Serbia’s sports minister Zoran Gajic opened the event and grandmaster Ljubomir Ljubojevic performed the ceremonial first move. Observers viewed the contest as the most notable individual meeting between Russian and American players since the 1996 Karpov-Kamsky match or even the 1972 Fischer-Spassky encounter. No tie-break procedure existed, though Niemann suggested an extra Armageddon game after game eight, which Nepomniachtchi declined. Relations remained cool throughout. Nepomniachtchi repeatedly sought post-game analysis, yet Niemann declined. The American appeared to hold lingering resentment from the 2024 Gashimov Memorial in Azerbaijan, where his invitation was withdrawn following reported objections that included Nepomniachtchi. At the conclusion Niemann offered measured praise, noting his opponent’s strong recent record and describing the match as a valuable challenge despite difficult personal dynamics. Game one shaped much of the contest. Nepomniachtchi gained an advantage against the Berlin Defence and converted it. Thereafter he played cautiously with white while Niemann pressed in his own white games, all featuring the Rossolimo Sicilian, securing victory in the eighth game. The decisive missed chance occurred in game seven, a Ruy Lopez Anti-Marshall, where White could have won material and the match with either 14 Rxe7 or 14 Re5, yet both players overlooked the tactic until later. Nepomniachtchi played 14 a4 instead. Meanwhile Norway Chess in Oslo heads into its final round with Magnus Carlsen already assured of matching his lowest-ever result at the event. Carlsen suffered another defeat to Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu. The scoring awards three points for a classical win, one for a draw and half a point for an Armageddon victory. Current standings show Wesley So leading on 15.5 points ahead of Praggnanandhaa on 15. In the women’s section Bibisara Assaubayeva has already secured victory with a round remaining, while world champion Ju Wenjun struggles. Assaubayeva leads on 16.5 points. The European Senior Championships have opened in Acq.
