Niemann achieves crushing victory over Vitiugov

Hans Niemann defeated Nikita Vitiugov by a crushing 27½-14½ score in their 5-day match at the Gem Fitzrovia Hotel in London. The contest consisted of 6 classical, 6 rapid and 12 blitz games, with Niemann prevailing in all three formats. His 8-4 victory in the rapid was particularly important, as it forced Vitiugov to take too many risks in Sunday’s blitz session – a strategy that badly backfired, as Niemann got a 9-3 win in the final segment of the match. | Photo: Frans Peeters