The Indian players did not play much of a role in Round 4 of the Global Chess League (GCL) played in London. PBG Alaskan Knights moved into the lead, with 12 points. Triveni Continental Kings and Alpine SG Pipers were on six points each. Six more rounds remain before the top two teams clash in the final.
Viswanathan Anand of Ganges Grandmasters drew with Anish Giri of PBG Alaskan Knights in one of the top-board encounters . The five-time world champion from India could not penetrate the defence of the player who represents the Netherlands. The second-board game between Arjun Erigaisi and Nodirbek Abdusattarov was drawn as well.
That’s when the Alaskan Knights proved their worth in this 12-3 win. Shakhriyar Mamedyarov , Tan Zhongyi and Alina Kashlinskaya all posted victories. Tan of China beat India’s R Vaishali. Nihal Sarin of the Alaskan Knights drew with Volodar Murzin on the sixth and last board. It didn’t matter, because the Knights were well ahead by then.
Mumba Masters must have thought that they were not going to lose this, against Alpine SG Pipers. World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen was held to a draw by Maxime Vachier-Lagrave of France on the first board. The Indian clash between R Praggnanandhaa and Vidit Gujrathi also ended in a stalemate. Koneru Humpy and D Harika drew their games, both representing the Mumba Masters.
Hungarian Richard Rapport and Daniel Dardha from Belgium handed Alpine SG Pipers the crucial wins in this 12-4 verdict. Rapport got the better of Peter Svidler, while Dardha downed India’s Raunak Sadhwani. It was a big win which kept the Alpine SG Pipers in the race. A lot of action remains and everything can happen. In this rapid time control, there is no certainty and no favourites.
Triveni Continental Kings were another top team which lived up to its billing. They defeated the American Gambits 15-3. These are the two teams — in the competition featuring six — not featuring any Indian. The other four outfits have nine of them. Alireja Firouzja and Wei Yi set the tone for their team. Alexandra Kosteniuk posted another win to hand their side a comprehensive victory.