On the final day of rapid, Suleymanli arrived with fighting intentions. Playing three decisive games, he thrived in chaotic positions with both players swinging wildly at each other. His victory vs. fellow countryman, GM Nijat Abasov, was a creative gem where Suleymanli enlivened play to hunt after the uncastled enemy king. Watch the fireworks in our Game of the Day, analyzed by GM Rafael Leitao below.

In the last round of the day, Suleymanli dueled vs. Erigaisi for the tournament lead in a tumultuous struggle for the initiative. 

Vidit was the only player to slow Suleymanli down. When the teenage grandmaster boldly castled into an open file in the penultimate round, Vidit was ready to strike.

The battle between Vidit and Erigaisi was a particularly engrossing one, beginning with the tactical shot that Vidit discovered on move 16. Can you find it in the puzzle below?

Ever the fighter, Erigaisi managed to set up a compelling resistance without his queen, ultimately creating a perpetual check net. 

This hard-fought clash was a fitting one to honor Vugar Gashimov as his father, Gasim Gashimov, made the ceremonial first move for Vidit.

♟In the 7th round of rapid games of the Vugar Gashimov Memorial 2023, the first move of the game beetween and was made by Gasim Gashimov. (Father of Vugar Gashimov) pic.twitter.com/i1SR05fGKE

— Gashimov Chess (@GashimovC) December 10, 2023

Van Foreest improved his place in the standings the most. Beginning the day tied for last, he went undefeated, scoring victories vs. Shakhriyar Mamedyarov and Richard Rapport to join the tie for second. Van Foreest overcome Mamedyarov by making steady and consistent strategic progress, winning a pawn in the middlegame and supporting its promotion as a passer in the endgame.