Sinquefield Cup: Niemann joins the lead, Nepo beats Firouzja

Hans Niemann joined Magnus Carlsen in the lead of the Sinquefield Cup by beating Shakhriyar Mamedyarov with the white pieces in Saturday’s second round. The tournament underdog kicked off the event with two whites and is set to face Carlsen with black in round 3. Meanwhile, Ian Nepomniachtchi bounced back from his first-round loss against the world champion by beating the winner of the Saint Louis Rapid & Blitz tournament, Alireza Firouzja. | Photo: Lennart Ootes