Gukesh Recovers, Praggnanandhaa Bounces Back in Superbet Rapid

Newly-crowned FIDE Candidates' champion D Gukesh displayed resilience and determination in the Superbet rapid and blitz tournament, a part of the Grand Chess Tour. After a slow start, Gukesh recovered to defeat compatriot R Praggnanandhaa and Vincent Keymer.

Praggnanandhaa, who lost to Gukesh in the first round, bounced back strongly in the fifth round by defeating Anish Giri. Gukesh also capitalized on his opportunities to crush Keymer.

Romanian Kirill Shevchenko's impressive run was halted by Erigaisi Arjun, who secured his first victory in the event. World number one Magnus Carlsen of Norway joined Shevchenko in the lead with seven points out of a possible ten. Wei Yi of China trails by one point.

Gukesh, Praggnanandhaa, and Arjun share the fourth spot with five points, alongside Nodirbek Abdusattorov of Uzbekistan. Jan-Kryzstof Duda of Poland and Vincent Keymer of Germany occupy the eighth spot with four points, while Giri languishes at the bottom with just two points.

Four more rounds remain in the rapid section before an 18-round blitz tournament commences.

Earlier, Arjun held Carlsen to a draw in the opener and drew two more games to stay within striking distance of early leader Shevchenko. Gukesh lost his first two games before drawing the third, while Praggnanandhaa recovered in the third round to beat Abdusattorov.

Shevchenko emerged as the early leader with three consecutive victories. He benefited from a blunder by Gukesh in the first round, defeated Praggnanandhaa in a brilliant game, and outplayed Keymer.

Arjun showcased a solid approach with three draws, while Gukesh and Praggnanandhaa had mixed results. Gukesh blundered his queen in the first round against Shevchenko and lost to Abdusattorov in the second round. Praggnanandhaa drew against Duda but lost to Shevchenko before defeating Abdusattorov.

Tags: #Chess, #SuperbetRapid, #Gukesh, #Praggnanandhaa, #Carlsen