GM Ronen Har-Zvi commentates on Round 3.

 

After three rounds, we have a sole leader: Indian super-GM Vidit Santosh Gujrathi.  Photo credit Lennart Ootes Tata Steel Chess official  website Today, playing a brilliant game, Vidit defeated Daniil Dubov. The Indian strong GM played what he defined "modern chess" in an interview: he didn't castle and launched a pawn storm on the kingside. Not only that, but then Vidit attacked with... his King! Here is the final position (Vidit is black): Creativity and calculation, when used together, can lead to exciting chess. But today, it was not only Vidit to taste the joy of victory. We had four decisive games: Van Foreest, bouncing back after yesterday's debacle, won with the youngest participant, Pragganandhaa;  Photo credit Lennart Ootes Tata Steel Chess official  website The Russian derby between Esipenko and Karjakin saw the younger player emerge victoriously; Richard Rapport regulated Grandelius. And Magnus? The Champ drew his game with the Polish GM Jan-Krzysztof Duda.  Sam Shankland held to a draw Fabi in the longest game of round 3. Six hours of tension! Giri and Mamedyarow drew.  The standings after round 3 see Vidit leading solo with 2.5, followed by a 5-man pack with 2 points: Magnus, Rapport, Duda, Esipenko, and Van Foreest. With 1.5 Caruana and Mamedyarov. Tomorrow Round 4, at 8 AM EST - 14:00 CET (local).