Away from the bustling actions of an EPL match or the razzmatazz of the IPL, eight of the world’s strongest players in chess have quietly gathered in Toronto to decide who will be the challenger to the reigning world champion Ding Liren. Toronto is also hosting the women’s competition alongside the Open tournament.
World’s strongest chess player Magnus Carlsen is not taking part as he is on a break. But he did his assessment of the players and has rated that none of the Indian Grand Masters in the competition will be able to win the tournament.
One of them, Vidit Gujrathi, has delivered a bolt form the blue defeating world number three Hikaru Nakamura in the second round. Nakamura is one of the favourites to win the Candidates and proceed to the world championship tie. This is a stunning victory for world number 26 Gujrathi as he also ended Hikaru’s 47-match unbeaten streak in classical chess.
Gujrathi has earlier played a draw against compatriot D Gukesh in the first round. In his second-round match against Nakamura, Gujrathi playing with black traded pawns early and then preyed on his opponents lack of development on the Queen side. Vidit was clearly the more prepared player on the day as he soon started to gain time advantage too. Under clock pressure, Nakamura made a blunder on the 12th move that crippled his chances in the game.
Last time Nakamura lost a classical chess match was way back in 2022 against the current world champion Ding Liren. The win was sweeter for Vidit as he managed to defeat Nakamura for the first time in classical chess.
Speaking earlier about Vidit’s chances Carlsen said to Chess.com, “Vidit has improved a lot, especially from a psychological point. I’m sure he will be very serious and well prepared. He will not win the tournament. Although, I feel he has the capacity to make a really good score if things go his way.”
By winning against a strong player, Vidit has strengthened his chances in the tournament.
In the other game featuring Indian GMs, D Gukesh also recorded his first win of the tournament defeating compatriot Praggnanandha. Gukesh, also playing with black was under pressure initially but held his nerves to emerge victorious.
In the women’s competition, Pragg’s sister Vaishali also had a rough day as she lost to tournament leader Tan Zhongyi. India’s other women’s candidate Koneru Humpy was able to easily draw her game against Kateryna Lagno. The match was on even keel when perpetual checks from Lagno ended the duel in a draw and the players spilt the points.
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