Ian Nepomniachtchi Ties Grudge Match Against Hans Niemann

Ian Nepomniachtchi tied an eight-game series against Hans Niemann in Belgrade, with a win apiece and six draws. The match was played at a brisk time control of one hour per player plus a 30 seconds per move increment.

What happened?

Nepomniachtchi won the first game, while Niemann won the eighth and final game. The Russian missed an easy opportunity to win game seven, which could have changed the outcome of the match.

Why it matters for Ian Nepomniachtchi

This match was significant for Nepomniachtchi, who has won two Candidates tournaments but lost world title matches to Magnus Carlsen and Ding Liren. Nepomniachtchi's performance in this match will be closely watched by chess fans and analysts. The event was opened by Serbia's minister of sport, Zoran Gajic, and the veteran grandmaster Ljubomir Ljubojevic made a ceremonial opening move.

What comes next?

Niemann praised Nepomniachtchi after the match, saying he is a two-time Candidates winner and has won many tournaments. Nepomniachtchi's next move will be closely watched, as he looks to regain his form and challenge for the world title again. As of June 5, 2026, Nepomniachtchi's performance in this match will be a key factor in determining his ranking and chances of winning future tournaments. The match was played in a tense atmosphere, with relations between the players frosty even before they sat down. Niemann still blamed Nepomniachtchi for the 2024 Gashimov Memorial in Azerbaijan, when Niemann had his invitation revoked.