Candidates Chess 2024: D Gukesh Beats Vidit Gujrathi to Regain Joint Lead.
In the eighth round of the Candidates chess tournament, India's D Gukesh staged a remarkable comeback, employing a masterful strategy to outmaneuver fellow countryman Vidit Gujrathi.
India's D Gukesh made a remarkable comeback, orchestrating a finely executed game to outmanoeuvre fellow countryman Vidit Gujrathi and reclaim a shared lead with Russia's Ian Nepomniachtchi after the eighth round of the Candidates chess tournament. In a parallel narrative, R Praggnanandhaa settled for a draw against Firouza Alireza of France, while Hikaru Nakamura asserted his dominance in the all-American clash with Fabiano Caruana, propelling himself back into contention for the top spot. Overnight sole leader Nepomniachtchi stumbled early on, allowing tailender Nijat Abasov to secure an effortless draw in the other match of the eight-player double round-robin event. With six rounds remaining, both Gukesh and Nepomniachtchi stand at 5 points each, closely followed by Nakamura and Praggnanandhaa with 4.5 points apiece. Caruana now occupies fifth place with four points, followed by Gujrathi with 3.5 points, Alireza with three, and Abasov trails at 2.5 points.
Gukesh faced a challenging task but opted for an unconventional strategy, surprising Gujrathi as early as the fourth move. Despite Gujrathi's extended contemplation, Gukesh swiftly achieved parity. As the game progressed, Gukesh seized control of the board, leveraging his queen and rook to dominate the only open file. Though Gujrathi fought valiantly, the mounting pressure proved insurmountable, exacerbated by his dwindling time. Gukesh's decisive move onto the eighth rank sealed his victory, culminating in a picturesque checkmate after 38 moves.
Reflecting on his victory, Gukesh remarked on the rarity of such clean games at this level, noting his control over the game despite playing with the black pieces. Meanwhile, Praggnanandhaa failed to make significant headway with his white pieces, settling for a draw against Alireza. In the women's section, Koneru Humpy secured a crucial win against compatriot R Vaishali, elevating her to 3.5 points. Notably, Tingjie Lei of China's victory over her compatriot Zhongyi Tan reshaped the dynamics of the event, with Aleksandra Goryachkina of Russia and Lei joining Zhongyi in the lead with five points each.
Looking ahead to the ninth round, all eyes are on the pivotal clash between Gukesh and Praggnanandhaa in the men's section, while Gujrathi faces the formidable Nakamura.
| Follow the Hindeez on Google News |  |
| Follow the Hindeez channel on WhatsApp |  |
We hate spam as much as you do
© Hindeez 2024, All Rights Reserved
