GM Awonder Liang defeated GM Hikaru Nakamura 6-4 in the Hikaru vs. Awonder Candidates Training Match at the Saint Louis Chess Club from March 13-15, 2026. The match included two classical draws, a 3-1 rapid win for Liang, and a 2-2 blitz tie. Nakamura used the event to prepare for the upcoming FIDE Candidates Tournament in Cyprus.
The training match was structured over three days: two classical games on the first day, followed by four rapid and four blitz games. In classical chess, the score ended 1-1 after draws. Nakamura, playing white in the first game after losing rock-paper-scissors, opted for sharp play in a Giuoco Piano, commenting, “I want games that are sharp and complicated because in the Candidates my opponents are always going to be playing all-in.” He later reflected, “It’s good to get a feel for what sort of risks you can take... I don’t want to feel that I’m invincible going into the Candidates.” The second classical game saw Nakamura defend a Classical Sicilian, where he built a clock advantage but allowed chances to Liang before drawing. Nakamura summarized the classical portion: “I wanted to play sharp, tactical games, try to improve the calculation, try to pay attention to time management... It was not about the result.” In rapid, Liang won 3-1. Nakamura tried 1.e4 e5 2.d3 twice but struggled, calling one loss “heartbreaking” and praising Liang: “Credit goes to Awonder for finding some very, very good moves under the pressure.” The blitz section tied 2-2, with Nakamura winning two but blundering in others. Despite the 6-4 loss, Nakamura remained positive: “Overall, I thought my play was very sharp, very creative. Not unhappy with the result... it is good experience before we get into the big event, which will be happening in Cyprus next week.” The match used classical time controls matching the Candidates—two hours for 40 moves, then increment—and helped Nakamura shake off rust from limited recent classical play.
