The Week in Chess

Ding Liren won the fourth game of his FIDE World Chess Championship match in Almaty, Kazakhstan, against Ian Nepomniachtchi to bring the match back level at 2-2 with 10 games remaining of this 14 game match.

After appearing anxious in the first two games Ding just visibly looked much better during games three and four. Often seconds are behind the scenes but Richard Rapport was known to be working for Ding and is accompanying him to the games. There seems to be now a pretty happy Ding camp.

After a comfortable draw in game three with black Ding managed to set some problems for Nepomniachtchi with white today. The variation chosen of the English Sicilian Four Knights is pretty topical and in the early middle game Ding gave up a pawn for a broad pawn centre. Black was probably fine but he kept having to make difficult decisions. Ding spent 15 minutes over 22.Bf3 but after that both players didn't think all that much with Nepomniachtchi spending no more than two minutes on any move. This fast play is a sign of nerves and led to 28...Nd4? played after 1 minute 48 seconds of thought and which is just losing. 29.Rxd4 was not seriously considered by Nepomniachtchi, if he had done he'd have immediately realised it was bad for him. Ding played the exchange sacrifice and that really was that, the knight arrived on f5 and then Ding could choose from many alternatives how to win as his opponent could hardly move at all.

Nepomniachtchi has a couple of concerns now, firstly he has allowed Ding right back into the match and given him the initiative. Secondly it awakes the specter in his own mind that he could blunder at any moment. It's a classic case of a player who is unstoppable going forward when confident but who can be a lot less formidable when he's not.

Score Nepomniachtchi 2-2 Ding. Best of 14 games.

Rest day Friday 14th April.

Game 5 Nepomniachtchi white Saturday 15th April 2023.