The fourth edition of the Quantbox Chennai Grand Masters began in Chennai on Thursday, July 16, with one decisive result and three draws.
The tournament features some of the biggest names in chess, including World Champion D Gukesh, Arjun Erigaisi, Nodirbek Abdusattorov, Alireza Firouzja, Hans Niemann, Nihal Sarin, Dmitry Andreikin and Pranesh M. After the opening round, Firouzja was the only player to pick up a full point.
Firouzja defeats Pranesh after a long battle
Alireza Firouzja defeated Indian youngster Pranesh M in the longest game of the round.
The game began with both players fighting for control of the centre of the board. Firouzja gradually created pressure and moved into an endgame where both players had only a few pieces left.
Pranesh fought hard and kept the game alive for a long time. However, Firouzja’s passed pawns (a pawn that has no opposing pawn left to stop it from moving forward) eventually became the biggest problem for the Indian player.
Firouzja’s pawn moved closer and closer to becoming a queen. Pranesh managed to stop one promotion attempt, but Firouzja continued to create threats. With both players running short of time, Firouzja kept his advantage under control and finally secured the win after 79 moves.
Gukesh and Nihal Sarin share the point
World Champion D Gukesh was held to a draw by Nihal Sarin in an all-Indian contest. Gukesh started strongly and put pressure on Nihal in the early stages. However, Nihal defended calmly and gradually improved his position.
The game became particularly tense when both players reached a difficult endgame. Gukesh had very little time left on his clock, while Nihal had a more comfortable time advantage.
Despite the pressure, Gukesh managed to find the right defensive moves. Nihal tried to create winning chances, but Gukesh held firm. After 47 moves, both players agreed to a draw.
Abdusattorov and Niemann fight back and forth
Nodirbek Abdusattorov and Hans Niemann also finished their game in a draw. Abdusattorov created early pressure and later managed to win a rook. However, Niemann received enough compensation and kept his position active.
The game then turned into a difficult battle between the two sides. Both players had chances, but neither could find a clear way to win. After 44 moves, the game ended peacefully.
Arjun and Andreikin also draw
Arjun Erigaisi and Dmitry Andreikin’s game lasted 42 moves.
Arjun pushed forward on the queenside and created a dangerous passed pawn. This gave him chances to put pressure on Andreikin.
However, Andreikin’s queen became very active in the later stages. He repeatedly checked the white king, forcing Arjun to spend time finding safe squares.
The constant checks made it difficult for Arjun to make progress. Eventually, the two players agreed to a draw.
The tournament will continue on July 17, with the world’s leading players looking to make their move in the race for the title.
For more updates, follow REVSPORTZ.
The post Firouzja Starts Chennai Grand Masters with Win; Gukesh, Arjun and Abdusattorov held to Draws appeared first on Sports News Portal | Revsportz.
