Karthikeyan Triumphs Over Gujrathi in Chennai Grand Masters
Grandmaster M Karthikeyan secured a hard-earned win against fellow Indian Vidit Gujrathi in the seventh round of the Chennai Grand Masters on Wednesday. This victory keeps Karthikeyan’s hopes for a strong finish alive. Meanwhile, German Grandmaster Vincent Keymer is solidifying his lead in the title race.
Playing with the black pieces, Karthikeyan and Gujrathi engaged in an intense tactical battle. Both players faced complex positions in the middlegame, but Karthikeyan ultimately claimed the victory. On the other side of the board, Keymer demonstrated his skill against American GM Awonder Liang, turning a slight advantage into a decisive win and extending his lead by 1.5 points.
Arjun Erigaisi, Keymer’s closest competitor, was unable to maintain his momentum, as he was held to a draw by Dutch GM Anish Giri. This result dampened Erigaisi’s chances of catching up with Keymer, especially with only two rounds left in the tournament. In other matches, GM Nihal Sarin managed to defeat GM Ray Robson, while GM Jorden van Foreest and GM V Pranav ended in a balanced draw.
As the tournament approaches its end, Erigaisi is now in a must-win situation against Gujrathi in the next round. He will also require some assistance from other matches to stay in contention. Liang finds himself in a similar position, facing Giri next. Keymer has a chance to secure his first Chennai Grand Masters title on Day 8 if he wins against Van Foreest with the white pieces.
Challengers Section Remains Competitive
In the Challengers section, GM Leon Luke Mendonca maintained a share of the lead after defeating GM Diptayan Ghosh in a thrilling game. He shares the top spot with M Pranesh, who triumphed over GM R Vaishali in another exciting match. GM Abhimanyu Puranik, however, was held to a draw by GM Aryan Chopra, placing him just half a point behind the leaders.
Other noteworthy results include IM Harshavardhan GB’s victory over GM Harika Dronavalli, and GM Pa Iniyan sharing points with GM Adhiban Baskaran in a well-fought contest.
With only two rounds remaining, both sections are heating up. However, Keymer’s significant lead in the Masters section makes him the favorite to take home the trophy.
Masters Standings after Round 7
- Vincent Keymer – 4.5 points
- Arjun Erigaisi – 4 points
- Karthikeyan Murali – 4 points
- Anish Giri – 3.5 points
- Awonder Liang – 3.5 points
- Jorden van Foreest – 3.5 points
- Vidit Gujrathi – 3 points
- Nihal Sarin – 3 points
- Pranav V – 2.5 points
- Ray Robson – 2.5 points
Challengers Standings after Round 7
- Pranesh M – 5.5 points
- Leon Mendonca – 5.5 points
- Abhimanyu Puranik – 5 points
- Adhiban Baskaran – 4 points
- Paneerselvam Iniyan – 4 points
- Diptayan Ghosh – 3.5 points
- Harshavardhan GB – 3 points
- Aryan Chopra – 2 points
- Harika Dronavalli – 1.5 points
- Vaishali R – 1 point
- Ends
