D. Gukesh (proper) and Javokhir Sindarov on the Tremendous Speedy & Blitz occasion of the Grand Chess Tour in Warsaw, Poland. Photograph: Lennart Ootes/@GrandChessTour
D. Gukesh made fairly an influence, signalling that his preparations for the World Championship are on observe by first defeating his title challenger, Javokhir Sindarov, within the fifth spherical after which holding American Grandmaster Wesley So to a draw within the Tremendous Speedy & Blitz occasion of the Grand Chess Tour.
After defeating Uzbekistan’s Sindarov, Gukesh performed out a fast draw with Wesley So to maneuver to 6 factors with three rounds nonetheless to go within the Speedy occasion. The win in opposition to Sindarov earned the Indian two factors, whereas the draw fetched him one.
So is the joint chief on 9 factors alongside fellow American Hans Niemann. The duo is adopted by Vladimir Fedoseev, who’s a degree behind, whereas Gukesh is tied on six factors with Fabiano Caruana, Jan-Krzysztof Duda and Maxime Vachier-Lagrave as he seems to be to climb additional up the standings within the remaining rounds.
Gukesh was in full circulate as he matched Sindarov transfer for transfer in what was the primary conflict between the 2 forward of their World Championship assembly in December.
Apparently, each Gukesh and Sindarov entered the fifth spherical after defeats of their earlier video games. The Indian had gone right down to Radosław Wojtaszek, whereas Sindarov misplaced to Wesley So.
Enjoying with the black items, Gukesh opted for the Caro-Kann Defence, whereas Sindarov selected an unconventional setup. The opening quickly led to a dynamic place, precisely the sort of sport Gukesh likes.
The Indian then gained a pawn, although white had adequate compensation. In his try to press for extra, Sindarov launched an assault that fully backfired.
The Uzbek Grandmaster had earlier performed down the importance of the conflict forward of the World Championship, however his play advised he was beneath appreciable strain in opposition to Gukesh.
As issues progressed, Gukesh devoured up one other piece that Sindarov sacrificed and as soon as the queens received traded, the consequence was by no means doubtful. Gukesh wrapped up the primary win in opposition to his future challenger in 52 strikes.
The Grand Chess Tour was conceptualised by legendary former world champion Garry Kasparov, and R Praggnanandhaa is amongst India’s major contenders following D. Gukesh’s withdrawal.
Outcomes: (Spherical 6) Wesley So (USA, 9) drew with D Gukesh (Ind, 6); Alireza Firouzja (Fra, 4) misplaced to Hans Moke Niemann (USA, 9); Fabiano Caruana (USA, 6) drew with Duda Jan Krzysztof (Pol, 6); Vladimir Fedoseev (Slo, 8) beat Radoslav Wojtaszek (Pol, 3); Maxime Vachier-Lagrave (Fra, 6) beat Javokhir Sindarov (Uzb, 4).
Revealed – Might 07, 2026 12:38 pm IST
