The American found Nepomniachtchi’s draw with Ding Liren in Game 13 reasonable.

The game played by the Russians with white pieces on Thursday ended in a draw with repeated moves. The score in the match is 6.5-6.5. In the 14th match to be played on Saturday, the Russians will play black. Nepomniachtchi was a candidate for the crown after winning the Candidates’ Tournament in 2022. Nepomniachtchi’s rival was Ding Liren, who finished second in the Candidates’ Tournament, as the reigning world champion, Norwegian Magnus Carlsen, refused to defend his title.