Yet another dramatic day in Shamkir Chess saw 3 decisive games with Anand Kramnik Adams winning their respective games.
Anand played another great game and sacrificed an Exchange to beat Shakhriyar Mamedyarov (AZE) with the White pieces. Thanks to this win, Anand climbed to #2 spot in the world rankings and crossed the 2800 rating barrier again (2803 in live rating list)
Kramnik and Adams scored a morale boosting victory (after yesterday’s losses) over Vachier-Lagrave and Anish Giri respectively.
After round 7, Carlsen continues to lead with 6 points and Anand follows half a point behind. In the last round tomorrow, Carlsen has the advantage of White pieces against lowest seed Mamedov, while Anand faces Caruana with the Black pieces.
Points after round 7
Carlsen 6
Anand 5.5
So, Caruana 5…
Pairings round 8 (final)
| Mamedyarov | 2754 | – | Adams | 2746 |
| Caruana | 2802 | – | Anand | 2791 |
| Carlsen | 2863 | – | Mamedov | 2651 |
| Vachier-Lagrave | 2762 | – | So | 2788 |
| Giri | 2790 | – | Kramnik | 2783 |