The expected explosion

We felt since the American tour that Royer was reaching a milestone.

Royer confirms recent expectations and it's logical given his current level. He talks a lot about confidence in his statements and his big fights lost against top players helped him unlock something mentally. Which gives a monumental performance today against Rublev! Royer played the best match of his life, took the lead and smothered a disgusted Rublev who wasn't even bad. But Royer just played too well and even if tomorrow he should drop a little in rhythm I see him maintaining a good level anyway obviously. He faces Tien and will have to keep the same aggressiveness to maneuver the little American well. Tien hasn't been too bad lately and can also give us a big tournament, he is comfortable in this role of defender/blocker and he is fresher too. He's the favorite but I often prefer him as an outsider to outwit his opponents anyway. I want to say that this match depends a lot on Royer because if he plays like he played against Rublev I don't see what Tien could do about it.