MCT Finals: Nakamura eliminates Dubov and advances to the finals

by Shahid Ahmed - 12/08/2020

Nakamura continues his momentum as he defeated Dubov in third consecutive set and secured his place in the finals of Magnus Carlsen Chess Tour Finals. After making two draws in the first two games of the third set, the 'Speed King' capitalized on his opponent's mistake and won the third game. In the fourth rapid game, Nakamura was completely winning, yet he decided to make a draw as it was enough for him to advance to the finals. Carlsen made a short draw in the first game against Ding Liren and then he beat him in the next two games, taking a 2-1 lead. Ding Liren must win the next set to keep his chances alive. Who do you think will face Nakamura in the finals - Carlsen or Ding Liren? Photo: Grand Chess Tour

Carlsen demolishes Ding once again

The third day of the Semi-Finals of Magnus Carlsen Chess Tour Finals witnessed Nakamura beating Dubov in the third straight set and securing a place for himself in the finals. Although Nakamura was winning the fourth game of the third set, yet he decided to repeat moves as draw was enough for him to advance to the finals. Carlsen defeated Ding Liren in the similar fashion as the previous day. After making a short draw in the first game, the world champion won the next two games without any difficulty. In both games, the World no.3 worsened his king by pushing the pawns in front of the king at inopportune moment.

Nakamura rushes towards the finals | Photo: Grand Chess Tour

Dubov - Nakamura 1.5-2.5

The first game of the third set was an uneventful draw. In the second game, Nakamura could have taken a chance, but for some reason he didn't

Nakamura - Dubov, Game 12

Position after 25...Rbc8

The game continued with 26.Rd2 but what was the better alternative here?

In the third game of the third set, Dubov made an inaccuracy in a seemingly equal endgame which allowed Nakamura to gain the upper hand and eventually he had no trouble converting it into a win.

Dubov - Nakamura, Game 13

Position after 36.Rd1

Find out why 36.Rd1 is a mistake and what white should have done instead.

Nakamura was completely winning the fourth game in the third set, however he decided to repeat moves since a draw was enough for him to win the set, match and advance to the finals.

Nakamura - Dubov, Game 14

Position after 29...Qg3

White can simply push for a win with 30.Rdg1 followed by 31.Qh7+ but Nakamura continued with 30.Rd3 and forced a repetition as the black queen cannot escape.

Replay all Dubov-Nakamura Semi-Final Set 3 games

Carlsen - Ding Liren 2.5-0.5

The first game of the third set in the Semi-Finals was an uneventful short draw in just 22 moves. In the second game, Ding Liren made his own kingside unsafe by pushing the pawn in front of the king.

Carlsen - Ding Liren, Game 13

Position after 23...g6

Black's first mistake in the game was 23...g6 which accelerated white's plan to launch an attack on the kingside.

Position after 26...Qc7

The game continued with 27.Rf3. Find out the better winning combination for white here.

In the fourth game of the third set, Ding Liren once again worsened his king by pushing the pawn in front of it resulting in relentless attack from the world champion.

Ding Liren - Carlsen, Game 14

Position after 20.c3

White made an unforced error with 20.c3. Find out what white should have played instead. White blundered after nine moves and resigned immediately after 29 moves.

Carlsen has gained a 2-1 lead in the Semi-Finals | Photo: Amruta Mokal

Replay all Carlsen-Ding Liren Semi-Final Set 3 games

Replay the live stream

Live commentary by GM Yasser Seirawan, GM Peter Leko & IM Tania Sachdev | Video: Chess24

Day 3 results

Semi-Finals Day 3 results | Photo: chess24

Score after Set 3

Semi-Final scores after third set | Photo: chess24

Kiva

Kiva is a partner of Magnus Carlsen Chess Tour Finals | Photo: chess24

Broadcaster chess24 has pledged 50 per cent of new Premium memberships bought during its Tour Final to Kiva’s Global COVID-19 Response fund that aims to raise at least $50 million for entrepreneurs and small businesses impacted by COVID‑19.

Prizes

Total $300000 Prize fund is up for grabs | Photo: chess24

Tournament format and schedule

The Semi-Finals will be played in a Best of five sets (mini-matches). A player winning three sets will allow him to advance to the final.

• Each set consists of four rapid games with a time control of 15 mins + 10 seconds increment.

• In case of a tie, two blitz tiebreakers with a time control of 5 mins + 3 seconds increment.

• In case of a tie after blitz, an Armageddon game will be played where White gets 5 minutes, Black gets 4 minutes, but a draw gives Black overall victory.

• The winners move on to the final, which will be played in a Best of 7 sets.

There are no scheduled rest days. The Semi-Finals will take place from 9th-13th August and the Finals will take place on 14th-20th August 2020.

Links

Tournament site

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