TATA Steel Masters 2024 Round 4 Recap

There will be no full-blooded analysis today as unfortunately I am down with a cold, but the analysis should be back starting tomorrow!

Check out Round 5's analysis here!

Round 4 Recap

With a persuasive grind over Gukesh, Giri is slowly cementing his grip over the lead with 3.5/4. Giri vs Gukesh (1-0) His co-leader Alireza was held convincingly to a draw by Abdusatturov, who deployed the ever agressive Ruy Lopez Dilworth Variation. Alireza vs Abdusatturov (0.5-0.5)

Meanwhile, none of the bottom ranked players managed to secure a full point, though both Maghsoodloo and Donchenko had great opportunites to pick up another half-point. Wei Yi vs Maghsoodloo (1-0) & Nepomniachtchi vs Donchenko (0.5-0.5)

Regarding the rest of the field, the reigning world champion Ding was not able to get into the groove, losing in an uncharacteristic fashion to Praggnanadhaa. Greetings to the new Indian No.1! Ding vs Praggnanandhaa (0-1) Jorden brought the rare 5.Bc4 in the Spanish Four Knights but with care, Black equalised. Van Foreest vs Vidit (0.5-0.5)

On the last board, the players split the point without much excitement. Warmerdam vs Ju Wenjun (0.5-0.5)

Looking forward to tonight, we are in for more excitement! Alireza will be looking to catch up, especially as he is up against the lowest rated participant, Ju Wenjun. Maghsoodloo will want to stem the bleeding, but he is in for another tough pairing against the World Champion Ding.

If you have missed my earlier recaps:
Round 1
Round 2
Round 3

Photo credits:
1. Photo of Firouzja: Jurriaan Hoefsmit – Tata Steel Chess Tournament 2024
2. Photo of Warmerdam: Lennart Ootes – Tata Steel Chess Tournament 2024