Global Chess League: Mixed fortunes for top Indian Grandmasters

The fourth round of the Global Chess League (GCL) in Mumbai was a day of fluctuating fortunes for India No.1 duo, Arjun Erigaisi and Koneru Humpy. While Arjun, who usually keeps control of the clock, lost on time from a winning position, Humpy carved out a thrilling victory from the jaws of defeat on Wednesday.

Reigning world rapid champion Humpy was on the verge of losing her second straight game against long time rival Kateryna Lagno. Instead of resigning, the India women’s No. 1 continued to make her moves and carved out her first win. Humpy’s thrilling victory inspired her UpGrad Mumba Masters teammates as Harika Dronavalli, Wesley So, and Bardiya Daneshvar won their respective games. With four decisive results, the Masters prevailed over Gukesh-led PBC Alaskan Knights 18-2. While Gukesh drew his game, Arjun suffered his first defeat in the league when the top-ranked Indian GM blundered under time pressure against Wesley, who in the recently held World Cup resigned from a position that was objectively a draw. Viswanathan Anand suffered his third defeat when the Iranian-born French GM Alireza Firouzja sacrificed his queen to register a 46 move win utilizing his double rook. Alireza’s fourth straight win helped Triveni Continental Kings get the better of Ganges Grandmasters 11-6.