Caruana is leading but has also had his share of luck. He has already survived a couple of dangerous situations and with three black games remaining, the 'safety-first' approach might already be doing the rounds in the mind of the young Italian.

Naiditsch has been the most uncompromising player in the tournament and has produced as many as four decisive games. Against Caruana he got an excellent opening but messed it up while against Anand he was no-match. His victories over Meier and Adams were excellent and the German showed his real skills in those two games. If the tide turns his way, Naiditsch can be a dangerous opponent for the leaders. Fridman is the only player who has drawn all his games that signifies solidity in his approach against high class opposition. However, the draws don't normally help in tournament success and it is unlikely that he will be a threat to both Anand and Caruana. Adams and Meier will first have to come to a 50 per cent score and only then these two can chart out their plans in the tournament. Overall, it looks a straight dash to the finish between Caruana and Anand and despite a half point deficit the scale is slightly tilted in favour of the latter to win his first Classical tournament after a long time. Pairings round 6: Vishwanathan Anand (IND, 3) vs Michael Adams (ENG, 2); Georg Meier (GER, 1.5) vs Fabiano Caruana (ITA, 3.5); Daniel Fridman (GER, 2.5) vs Arkadij Naiditsch (GER, 2.5).