Gukesh D suffers first defeat; R Praggnanandhaa holds Fabiano Caruana at Candidates chess tournament
TIMESOFINDIA.COM | Apr 12, 2024, 12.54 PM IST
NEW DELHI: Indian Grandmaster D Gukesh faced his first loss, succumbing to Frenchman Firouza Alireza in the seventh round of the Candidates chess tournament.
Meanwhile, teen prodigy R Praggnanandhaa played out a draw with American Fabiano Caruana, maintaining his steady performance. Gukesh's defeat saw him drop to the joint second spot, tied with Caruana and Praggnanandhaa at four points each.
Russian contender Ian Nepomniachtchi reclaimed his slight lead, inching to 4.5 points out of a possible seven after drawing with American Hikaru Nakamura.
Elsewhere, Vidit Gujrathi settled for a draw with Nijat Abasov, securing 3.5 points to share the fifth spot with Nakamura, while Alireza climbed to the seventh spot with 2.5 points. Abasov remained at the bottom with two points.
In the women's section, R Vaishali suffered her third loss, falling to Tingjie Lei of China, while other games ended in draws. Zhongyi Tan of China maintained her lead, with Kateryna Lagno and Lei sharing the third spot. Indian players Humpy, Vaishali, and Muzychuk need a significant turnaround to make a comeback.
Alireza's victory against Gukesh was a significant moment, marked by strategic complications that cost the Indian Grandmaster. Meanwhile, Praggnanandhaa's draw with Caruana showcased his composure in maintaining balance throughout the game.
With seven rounds remaining, players will have a rest day before the tournament continues, determining the challengers for the world championships.
Results round 7 (Indians unless specified):
Firouza Alireza (Fra, 2.5) beat D Gukesh (4); Hikaru Nakamura (Usa, 3.5) drew with Ian Nepomniachtchi (Fid, 4.5); Nijat Abasov (Aze, 2) drew with Vidit Gujrathi (3.5) Fabiano Caruana (Usa, 4) drew with R Praggnanandhaa (4).
Women: Tingjei Lei (Chn, 4) beat R Vaishali (2.5); Anna Muzychuk (Ukr, 2.5) drew with K Humpy (2.5); Aleksandra Goryachkina (Fid, 4.5) drew with Zhogyi Tan (Chn, 5); Kateryna Lagno (Fid, 4) drew with Nurgyul Salimova (Bul, 3).
(Inputs from PTI)
Meanwhile, teen prodigy R Praggnanandhaa played out a draw with American Fabiano Caruana, maintaining his steady performance. Gukesh's defeat saw him drop to the joint second spot, tied with Caruana and Praggnanandhaa at four points each.
Russian contender Ian Nepomniachtchi reclaimed his slight lead, inching to 4.5 points out of a possible seven after drawing with American Hikaru Nakamura.
Elsewhere, Vidit Gujrathi settled for a draw with Nijat Abasov, securing 3.5 points to share the fifth spot with Nakamura, while Alireza climbed to the seventh spot with 2.5 points. Abasov remained at the bottom with two points.
In the women's section, R Vaishali suffered her third loss, falling to Tingjie Lei of China, while other games ended in draws. Zhongyi Tan of China maintained her lead, with Kateryna Lagno and Lei sharing the third spot. Indian players Humpy, Vaishali, and Muzychuk need a significant turnaround to make a comeback.
Alireza's victory against Gukesh was a significant moment, marked by strategic complications that cost the Indian Grandmaster. Meanwhile, Praggnanandhaa's draw with Caruana showcased his composure in maintaining balance throughout the game.
With seven rounds remaining, players will have a rest day before the tournament continues, determining the challengers for the world championships.
Results round 7 (Indians unless specified):
Firouza Alireza (Fra, 2.5) beat D Gukesh (4); Hikaru Nakamura (Usa, 3.5) drew with Ian Nepomniachtchi (Fid, 4.5); Nijat Abasov (Aze, 2) drew with Vidit Gujrathi (3.5) Fabiano Caruana (Usa, 4) drew with R Praggnanandhaa (4).
Women: Tingjei Lei (Chn, 4) beat R Vaishali (2.5); Anna Muzychuk (Ukr, 2.5) drew with K Humpy (2.5); Aleksandra Goryachkina (Fid, 4.5) drew with Zhogyi Tan (Chn, 5); Kateryna Lagno (Fid, 4) drew with Nurgyul Salimova (Bul, 3).
(Inputs from PTI)