Overview
- Beating Matthias Bluebaum in Round 12 pushed Nodirbek Abdusattorov into sole first place ahead of Javokhir Sindarov.
- Javokhir Sindarov held a quick draw against R Praggnanandhaa to remain within half a point as the closest challenger.
- Hans Niemann escaped against D Gukesh to stay one point back, joined by Vincent Keymer—who defeated Thai Dai Van Nguyen—and Jorden van Foreest, who drew Arjun Erigaisi.
- If Abdusattorov loses in Round 13, Niemann, Keymer, or Van Foreest could reach a playoff, and there are no head-to-head pairings among the contenders in the finale.
- In the Challengers, Aydin Suleymanli beat Marc'Andria Maurizzi to catch leader Andy Woodward, with Vasyl Ivanchuk half a point behind after drawing Faustino Oro.