FIDE Grand Swiss 2021

[Mick Norris]

If we believe the Chess24 clocks then David Howell at move 18 is already down to about eight minutes, about fifty minutes behind his opponent

Decent position at move 23 if he weren't below 4 minutes

[Nick Burrows]

Bravo! 4 in a row, and right in the mix for a candidates spot.

[JustinHorton]

Muzychuk (M) beating Paehtz is a big deal, not just for the tournament position but because if I followed Muzychuk (A) on the commentary, a draw would have given Black the GM title.

[Simon Brown]

Gelfand v Movsesian worth a look!

[JustinHorton]

Gelfand v Movsesian worth a look!

A look

[JustinHorton]

Lei reaches 8/9

[Mick Norris]

Bravo! 4 in a row, and right in the mix for a candidates spot.

Great result; Firouzja next I think

[JustinHorton]

So he draws with Firouzja and then beats MVL to qualify

[Mick Norris]

Muzychuk (M) beating Paehtz is a big deal, not just for the tournament position but because if I followed Muzychuk (A) on the commentary, a draw would have given Black the GM title.

Presumably her 3rd and final GM norm, as she's had a rating over 2500 in the past (and indeed a live rating during this event) results

[Mick Norris]

Lei reaches 8/9

2 points clear with 2 rounds to go

[Mick Norris]

Caruana has finally won; he joins Howell & Firouzja on 6.5, but presumably has the better tiebreak having beaten both of them

Quite a few players on 6 though, so not over yet

[NickFaulks]

but presumably has the better tiebreak having beaten both of them

No, it's Buchholz so that's irrelevant. Firouzja is well ahead.

[Mick Norris]

Yes, I see that now on chess results if that's accurate

Firouzja v Howell
MVL v Caruana

[Mick Norris]

Gelfand v Movsesian worth a look!

There's analysis in Pete Doggers report and Chess Mind

"I'm happy to play this game... The tournament doesn't go well for me but such a victory is a good consolation," said Gelfand. "There were a lot of beautiful lines. At a certain moment in the game, I was a rook and two pieces down and then I put a fifth queen. I hope it's a worthy homage to Mikhail Tal playing in his city."

[Nick Burrows]

Firouzja - Howell is going to be a slugfest. Alireza will be going for the throat