Sinquefield Cup 2025: D Gukesh Off The Mark With Win Over Nodirbek Abdusattorov, Pragg Holds Caruana

Indian GM D Gukesh registered a win over Nodirbek Abdusattorov of Uzbekistan in the second round of the Sinquefield Cup on Wednesday to bounce back from his opening-round defeat at the hands of compatriot Praggnanandhaa at the Chess Grand Tour event.

Gukesh got the better of Abdusattorov to open his account at the event in St. Louis, while Pragg played out a draw with American Fabiano Caruana.

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Alireza Firouzja of France delivered a flawless endgame lesson as he broke through the defense of Poland’s Jan-Krzysztof Duda in the day’s other decisive game.

Levon Aronian of the United States drew with compatriot Samuel Sevian to remain in joint lead, while another American, Wesley So, drew with Maxime Vachier-Lagrave of France in the 10-player, USD 375,000 prize-money tournament.

With seven rounds still remaining, Praggnanandhaa, Aronian, and Firouzja share the lead with 1.5 points each.

Gukesh moved to joint fourth place alongside Caruana, Wesley So, Sevian, and Vachier-Lagrave. Duda stands in the ninth spot with half a point, while Abdusattorov has yet to score after losing his second consecutive game.

Gukesh faced the open Sicilian, popularised by the legendary Viktor Korchnoi in the last century. Many top-level players, including Caruana, have adopted this variation, but it is not currently favoured among elite players.

Gukesh played one of the testing variations and did not avoid mainstream theory. Abdusattorov achieved a passed pawn in the center of the board supported by another pawn, but his king was constantly under threat from Gukesh’s imaginative manoeuvres.

The Indian ace won a rook for a knight endgame, and although the Uzbek still had counter-play, it was difficult to find the precise moves with the clock ticking. Gukesh secured victory with timely exchanges leading to a winning endgame.

Praggnanandhaa decided to challenge Caruana with the Rossolimo Variation, which the American had used extensively in his World Championship match against Magnus Carlsen.

However, Caruana demonstrated his understanding of the resulting pawn structure in the middle game, and the game was steered to a draw in the ensuing rook-and-minor-piece endgame.

Firouzja showcased his skills in the endgame with a bishop and knight against a lone king, achieving it flawlessly.

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Results Round 2:

R Praggnanandhaa (Ind, 1.5) drew with Fabiano Caruana (USA, 1)

Alireza Firouzja (Fra, 1.5) beat Duda Jan Kryzstof (Pol, 0.5)

Levon Aronian (USA, 1.5) drew with Samuel Sevian (USA, 1)

Wesley So (USA, 1) drew with Maxime Vachier-Lagrave (Fra, 1)

D Gukesh (Ind, 1) beat Nodirbek Abdusattorov (Uzb)

(With Inputs From PTI)