The 6th round of the Candidates Tournament 2016 proved to be the most enthralling one so far with all the four games producing a whole lot of excitement. While two games ended decisively, the remaining two turned out to be extremely interesting draws. However, what ‘stood out’ was a touch-move incident in the Aronian-Nakamura game. Game by game report follows:
Anand-Svidler
Out of a normal-looking Ruy Lopez, Anand launched a powerful attack on Svidler’s king starting with 18.Rxe4. In reply, Svidler was unable to find the exact defensive resources, thus helping Anand win a 24-move miniature.
Caruana-Karjakin
In a topical variation of the Queen’s Indian Defence, Karjakin had achieved a satisfactory position out of the opening. Interestingly, he decided to go for a double-edged Queen sacrifice on move 18, which resulted in Caruana possessing the better chances. Despite Caruana’s advantage, Karjakin defended brilliantly and escaped with a crucial draw on move 36.
Topalov-Giri
Against the Grunfeld Defence, Topalov wheeled out the ultra-aggressive sideline with 3.h4. In reply, Giri opted for a Benko setup, emerging with the slightly better chances out of the opening. Indeed, the Dutch GM kept his initiative going all the way, which helped him emerge with an extra pawn in the endgame. However, he was unable to convert his material advantage and the game petered out to a draw.
Aronian-Nakamura
Just like the other games of round 6, the clash between Aronian and Nakamura generated a lot of interest. While Aronian had the pressure for the major part of the game, he missed a winning opportunity on move 53. After this missed opportunity, the game seemed to be coasting away to a draw despite Aronian possessing an extra pawn. However, something unexpected happened – on move 74, Nakamura touched his king with the intention of moving it. On realizing that any king move in the position would simply lose, he claimed he was adjusting the king. Aronian objected to this, upon which Nakamura was forced to move his king under the ‘touch-move’ rule. Aronian won shortly after this scandalous incident.
After a thrilling sixth round, Karjakin and Aronian are in joint lead with 4/6. Anand is placed sole third with 3.5/6.