World Cup - 2023

[Hans Jung]

Lots of draws in the other games so there will be plenty of tie breaking excitement in round 4.

[Hans Jung]

Humpy Koneru responded with a must win in the best fashion. She played the Scorpion! (championed by the great Russian speed player Chepukaitis many years before - a real pioneer and chess treasure! - who is getting more recognition for his brilliant ideas and play) and won in true Chepukaitis fashion, ending up with two knights and a queen and checkmating in style!

[Hans Jung]

Magnus endgame play - a joy to watch - forcing the defending rook away from the passed pawn and then combining threats of queening the pawn and Rxg7+.

[Hans Jung]

Erigaisis play in the endgame was also entertaining - watching one of the hardest endgames to win - rook and pawns.

[Aris Marghetis]

Magnus endgame play - a joy to watch - forcing the defending rook away from the passed pawn and then combining threats of queening the pawn and Rxg7+.

I don't know where it's posted already: as Magnus won, there was a crowd in the hotel lobby chanting his name, it was quite cool, the man really is an incredibly popular player worldwide!

[Aris Marghetis]

Erigaisis play in the endgame was also entertaining - watching one of the hardest endgames to win - rook and pawns.

Yes, there seemed to be more than usual R+P endgames tonight. It was superb how after almost all these grinding endgames, the players would semi-analyze their game, so passionate for chess!!

[Hans Jung]

Keep the reports coming Aris, they are always appreciated.

[Hans Jung]

Tie breaks tomorrow - some very exciting matchups. Personally I always like seeing Nakamura put on a show, and then there are Gukesh and Magnus amongst others.

[Aris Marghetis]

Keep the reports coming Aris, they are always appreciated.

Yeah, I wish I could post more, but just the way the time windows work, it's almost midnight here lol

And when I'm tired, it feels easier to talk than type lol - so maybe let's talk by phone upon my return?!

[Hans Jung]

oh sure good idea

[Hans Jung]

Pragga a day after his birthday beats Nakamura and advances! Big news!

[Hans Jung]

Magnus, Nepo, Gukesh, Duda, Dominguez, Ivanchuk (who now plays Magnus), Salem, Wang, Abasov,all advance.

[Hans Jung]

Elizabeth Paetz beats the world chanmp Ju Wenjun - big upset.

[Aris Marghetis]

oh sure good idea

You got it man, there's a lot more I can say offline hahaha

Let's aim for the week of August 28th, after decompression!

[Hans Jung]

Ok looking forward to it.