After six of the 14 rounds at the world championship Candidates in Madrid, Ian Nepomniachtchi and Fabiano Caruana, the 2021 and 2018 title challengers, have broken away from their rivals. The pair will meet in Monday’s ninth round (2pm start, live and free to watch on major chess websites) in what could be the tournament decider.
It is a surprise result so far, and one which may test the resolve of the world champion, Magnus Carlsen, who has said that he is unlikely to defend his crown again if the opponent is from his own generation. Carlsen and Nepomniachtchi are both 31, Caruana is 29. If the Norwegian, widely regarded as the No 1 chess player of all time, refuses to play, then under the rules the top two in Madrid will meet in a world championship series.
