In a must-win game against Alireza Firouzja, Indian chess prodigy D Gukesh traded queens and went on to defeat the French GM, securing the sole lead in the FIDE Chess Candidates tournament. Gukesh, who is aiming to become the youngest ever World Chess Championship contender, is now on the brink of qualifying for the prestigious event. Meanwhile, fellow Indian players Vidit Santosh Gujrathi and Praggnanandhaa had mixed results, with Vidit drawing and Praggnanandhaa losing to top-ranked players. In the women's event, Vaishali Rameshbabu continued her impressive streak, securing her fourth consecutive win.
D. Gukesh Takes Sole Lead in FIDE Chess Candidates Tournament
Indian chess prodigy D. Gukesh made history by claiming the sole lead in the FIDE Chess Candidates Tournament after defeating French grandmaster Alireza Firouzja in a crucial must-win game.
Background
The FIDE Chess Candidates Tournament is a ten-player round-robin event that determines the challenger for the World Chess Championship. D. Gukesh, at just 16 years old, is the youngest player in the tournament and is aiming to become the youngest-ever World Chess Championship contender.
Match Details
In a highly anticipated game, Gukesh traded queens and gradually built up an advantage against Firouzja. The Indian prodigy maintained his composure under pressure and eventually secured the victory, putting him in a commanding position in the tournament.
Other Indian Performances
Other Indian players in the tournament had mixed results. Vidit Santosh Gujrathi drew his game against Jan-Krzysztof Duda, while Praggnanandhaa lost to the top-ranked Ian Nepomniachtchi.
Women's Tournament
In the women's event, Vaishali Rameshbabu continued her impressive streak by securing her fourth consecutive win. The Indian grandmaster is now in contention for a spot in the Women's World Chess Championship.
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