u/mvdll

This Candidates is a reality check for Hikaru. He’s been outprepared by almost every opponent. It’s pretty clear he didn’t take preparation seriously enough and may have expected to coast into the top 3.

Also, consistently playing lower-rated 2000-level opponents seems to have dulled the edge needed at this level. It’s like preparing for a marathon with elite runners by only walking in the park.

I really hope he can find his confidence in the second half of the competition and start pushing.