Nepomniachtchi, I. – Firouzja, Alireza

2766 2022 · White wins (resignation, time or agreement)

A 2022 Sicilian where Nepomniachtchi (2766) sets the agenda against Firouzja (2793): queenside castling, the g4-g5 and f4-f5 pawn storm, then 18.f6 to crack open the g-file. Everything turns on one move: 23...Nd6 swings the evaluation from +0.2 to +2.0, converting a balanced game into a clear White edge. Black then misses two chances to hold on — 35...f5 (from +4.4 to +7.7) and 37...Kg8 (from +7.4 to +15.0) — and the game ends 1-0 after 39.Rg1+. White played 100% at least good moves, Black 92%. The takeaway: in these open, race-like structures, one misplaced piece is enough to tip the whole evaluation.