GCL: Pipers, Grandmasters inch closer to summit clash
Magnus Carlsen and Stavroula Tsolakidou displayed sportsmanship at the Global Chess League by gifting their Player-of-the-Match trophies to teammates and coaches. The Alpine APL Pipers and Ganges Grandmasters are currently leading the standings as the league approaches its final phase.
Why it matters
The event highlights both the competitive nature of professional chess and the collaborative spirit within team-based tournament formats.
Magnus Carlsen showed his magnanimous side on Friday. The World No. 1 was presented with the Player-of-the-Match trophy after Alpine APL Pipers scored a crucial win against Fyers American Gambits at the Lalit Ashok.
He, however, handed over the trophy to his teammate Vidit Gujrathi, crediting the Grandmaster from Nashik for the 9-7 victory in the match between the two top teams at the Tech Mahindra Global Chess League.
Carlsen, who beat Javokhir Sindarov, said: “In my game, I was doing pretty well early on but Sindarov put up a good fight. I was able to wriggle out and find the win. As much as I am happy with my win, I don’t deserve the award as much as the man who won us the match.”
That statement was greeted with loud applause by the crowd. Vidit said he was honoured by Carlsen’s gesture.
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