Gukesh and Abdusattorov split points on a day of draws
The fourth round of the Chennai Grand Masters saw a series of draws, including the highly anticipated match between World champion D. Gukesh and Nodirbek Abdusattorov. Despite active play, no decisive results were reached, leaving Alireza Firouzja in the lead of the tournament standings.
Why it matters
This tournament features top-tier international chess talent and serves as a significant indicator of current form for the world's leading grandmasters.
The clash between World champion D. Gukesh and Nodirbek Abdusattorov in the fourth round had drawn the attention of chess aficionados when the pairings for the Chennai Grand Masters at The Westin Velachery were out. The two, who have been involved in some intriguing battles over the years, played out a 41-move stalemate on Sunday when draws were the order of the day.
While the focus was on Gukesh’s joust with the former World rapid champion, Alireza Firouzja was held to a draw by American Hans Niemann. The result saw the Frenchman maintain the top spot with three points, just ahead of Indian GM Arjun Erigaisi, who survived a wobble against young compatriot M. Pranesh.
Nihal Sarin’s sequence of draws continued as he shared the point again with Russian GM Dmitry Andreikin. The two have drawn all their four games thus far.
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