Seeded 10^th at the World Chess Club Berlin, Nakamura reached the semi-finals after topping Pool A with 1.5 points from both of his matches against Russian pair Andrey Esipenko and Alexander Grischuk.

Nakamura then overcame Hungary's Richárd Rapport with a win and a draw in the semi-finals, with Pool C winner and world number six Aronian defeating another American player in Leinier Domínguez at the same stage.

After two draws in the classical games, Nakamura came out on top in both rapid contests to secure maximum points at the Grand Prix.

Nakamura required a wildcard entry from FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich to compete at the Grand Prix, but is now in pole position to reach the Candidates Tournament in Madrid in June after receiving 13 points courtesy of his victory.

Aronian has 10 points, with Domínguez and Rapport both earning seven.

The winner of the first leg of the Grand Prix was left satisfied at how the tournament in the German capital panned out.

"I didn't prepare anything because I was not expecting to win," Nakamura admitted.

"First of all, I would like to thank the organisers and arbiters.

"I want to thank the fans.

"They are very interested in chess and Germany has a long history with this great game and seeing them coming was very nice.

"And of course, to Levon, he played really well, he came a bit short to the last games, but I hope we both have chances to qualify for the Candidates.

"It was generally a great experience and looking forward to be back in Berlin in about three weeks."

Two further legs of the Grand Prix are planned in Belgrade from February 28 to March 14, and Berlin again from March 21 to April 4.

The 24 players on the Grand Prix circuit each compete in two events, with the top two in the points standings qualifying for the Candidates Tournament.

The winner of that event in Madrid will go on to face Norway's Magnus Carlsen in the 2023 World Chess Championship.