PBG Alaskan Knights scored a massive win in the ninth round of the Tech Mahindra Global Chess League. In the competition being held in London, the overnight leaders defeated Triveni Continental Kings 12-8. This took their tally to 21 points and put them in the final. Alpine SG Pipers, with 18 points, and Triveni Continental Kings, with 15 points, are in contention for the other spot, with a round to go.
In a marquee clash of the day, Magnus Carlsen defeated Viswanathan Anand. The Indian has not had a great tournament. The Norwegian did not have a stellar outing either before the ninth round. But when it mattered, Carlsen handed Alpine SG Pipers a crucial 3-0 win against Anand of Ganges Grandmasters.
R Praggnanandhaa and Arjun Erigaisi played out a draw on the second board. Richard Rapport, Hou Yifan and Kateryna Lagno notched up three consecutive wins to put Alpine SG Pipers in command. Hou defeated India’s R Vaishali. Daniel Dardha of the Pipers lost the last board, but his team prevailed 13-5 in the end.
PBG Alaskan Knights had lost in the previous round, but Anish Giri got them off to a strong start by defeating Alireza Firouzja on the top board. Nodirbek Abdusattorov, Shakhriyar Mamedyarov, and Alina Kashlinskaya also posted 3-0 wins to give their team the edge. Although Nihal Sarin lost on Board 6 to Javokhir Sindarov, the Knights still secured a 12-8 victory, booking their place in the final.
American Gambits beat Mumba Masters 11-6. Neither side had a chance of making it to the title round. Of the four Indians representing Mumba Masters, Raunak Sadhwani was the only one to register a win. He beat Jonas Buhl Bjerre of Denmark. Vidit Gurathi lost, while Koneru Humpy and D Harika drew their games.
Standings after Round 9
PBG Alaskan Knights 21
Alpine SG Pipers 18
Triveni Continental Kings 15
American Gambits 12
Mumba Masters 9
Ganges Grandmasters 6
Also Read: PBG Alaskan Knights in lead after Round 7 of Global Chess League, Anand suffers defeat