Things are getting close in the Tech Mahindra Global Chess League (GCL). With eight rounds completed and two more to go, PBG Alaskan Knights remained in the lead, despite losing a thriller against Mumba Masters. The gap between them and the chasing pack has been reduced. The Knights were on 18 points, while Triveni Continental Kings and Alpine SG Pipers moved up to 15. The top two teams will clash in the final of this unique, franchise-based chess league.
Raunak Sadhwani ended Nihal Sarin’s unbeaten run on the sixth board reserved for U-21 players to hand Mumba Masters a lifeline. The clash between these Indian youngsters was vital from the perspective of both teams. Sadhwani clinched it and Mumba Masters won the tie 10-9.
Vidit Gujrathi had lost on the second board. The initiative was snatched back by Koneru Humpy, who won her game on Board 4. D Harika didn’t let the momentum slip by drawing her Board 5 game, before Sdhwani delivered the decisive blow. With nine points, Mumba Masters stand an outside chance of making it to the title round.
Triveni Continental Kings scored a much-needed win against Ganges Grandmasters. Viswanathan Anand suffered another defeat, this time against Alireza Firouzja on the top board. Arjun Erigaisi brought the Grandmasters back with a 3-0 win. What tilted the balance in favour of the Kings was the margin of wins. Alireza, Teimour Radjabov and Alexandra Kosteniuk (against India’s R Vaishali) all won 4-0. The three wins secured by Ganges Grandmasters were 3-0 verdicts. The Kings thus won 12-9.
The 4-0 wins proved vital in the match between Alpine SG Pipers and American Gambits as well. R Praggnanandhaa beat Jan-Krzysztov Duda by that margin on the second board. Daniel Dardha registered a similar win on Board 6. Magnus Carlsen was underwhelming again for the Pipers and was held by Hikaru Nakamura on the top board.
As things stand after the eighth round, PBG Alaskan Knights are expected to reach the final. The contest is for the second qualifier’s slot. At the moment, Triveni Continental Kings and Alpine SG Pipers are the favourites to seal that. But, in this competition featuring the cream of chess brains, nothing is confirmed until the end.
Standings after Round 8
PBG Alaskan Knights 18
Triveni Continental Kings 15
Alpine SG Pipers 15
Mumba Masters 9
American Gambits 9
Ganges Grandmasters 6