Saint Louis R&B Day 4: Invincible Nakamura extends his lead

by Shahid Ahmed - 15/08/2021

Nakamura seems unstoppable as he scored 6.0/9 on the first day of Blitz at Saint Louis Rapid and Blitz 2021. Liem also scored the same but he lost the final game of the day against the 'Speed King'. The world no.1 in Blitz has extended his lead by 2.5 points, currently leading the points table 18.0/27, followed by Caruana at 15.5/27 and Rapport 14.5/27. Both So and Mamedyarov scored 5.0/9 each in blitz followed by Caruana, Xiong and Leinier scoring 4.5/9 each respectively. Shankland struggled the most as he scored a meagre 2.5/9. Will anyone be able to stop Nakamura? Only time will tell. The last day of Blitz games will be played tonight from 1:30 a.m. IST. Photo: Lennart Ootes/Grand Chess Tour

Liem shines on the first day of Blitz

Both Nakamura and Liem scored the identical 6.0/9 in Blitz. The Speed King, Nakamura made sure that Liem does not score more than him as the world no.1 in blitz defeated the former world blitz champion to finish the day.

Nakamura is cruising towards the first place finish | Photo: Lennart Ootes/Grand Chess Tour

Round 1: Svidler - Caruana: 1-0

Svidler dominated the better part of the game. Caruana blundered into a checkmate in the final moments of the game.

Round 2: So - Mamedyarov: 1-0

So beat Mamedyarov after the latter decided not to defend his central pawn.

Position after 14...fxe5

14...fxe5 was not a good idea. Instead 14...Bg4 could have been a better choice.

Round 3: Nakamura - Xiong: 1-0

Nakamura scored his first victory of the day against Xiong who blundered in the final moments of the game.

Position after 30...Ne7

30...Ne7 immediately self-destructs the position for Black. Find out how.

Round 4: Caruana - Xiong: 0-1

Caruana completely misplayed in the endgame against Xiong.

Position after 54.Kc3

54.Kc3 was the first step towards a big mistake, as 54...Kf3 55.Kb4 f5 56.Kc5 Ke3 and it was all over for White. Xiong scored his second win in the Blitz.

Round 7: Xiong - Svidler: 1-0

Xiong made a short work of Svidler in just 21 moves.

Position after 18.hxg5

18...hxg5 is the best way for Black to respond. 18...exd5 wrecked Black's kingside after 19.gxh6 dxe4 20.Qc1 exf3 21.Qg5 and it was over.