Chennai Grand Masters: Karthikeyan beats Vidit, Keymer closes in on title

Grandmaster M Karthikeyan carved out a hard-fought victory over compatriot Vidit Gujrathi within the seventh spherical of the Chennai Grand Masters on Wednesday, preserving his robust end hopes alive whereas German GM Vincent Keymer tightened his grip on the title race.

Enjoying with the black items, Karthikeyan overcame Gujrathi in a gritty, tactical battle that noticed each gamers navigate complicated middlegame positions earlier than the Indian secured the total level. Keymer, in the meantime, produced a medical efficiency in opposition to American GM Awonder Liang, changing his benefit with precision to increase his lead on the prime to 1.5 factors.

Keymer’s closest challenger, Arjun Erigaisi, was held to a draw by Dutch GM Anish Giri. The consequence dented Erigaisi’s hopes of catching the chief, with solely two rounds remaining. Elsewhere within the Masters part, GM Nihal Sarin defeated GM Ray Robson after creating sustained strain, whereas GM Jorden van Foreest and GM V Pranav battled to a balanced draw.

With the match coming into its closing levels, Erigaisi now faces a must-win conflict in opposition to Gujrathi within the penultimate spherical and also will want beneficial outcomes from different boards to stay in competition. Liang, in an analogous place, will meet Giri subsequent. Keymer might clinch his first Chennai Grand Masters crown on Day 8 if he beats Van Foreest with the white items.

CHALLENGERS SECTION REMAINS TIGHT

Within the Challengers part, GM Leon Luke Mendonca stayed in joint lead after defeating GM Diptayan Ghosh in a tense encounter. Matching him on the prime was M Pranesh, who overcame GM R Vaishali in a pointy tactical battle. GM Abhimanyu Puranik, in the meantime, was held to a draw by GM Aryan Chopra, leaving him half some extent behind the co-leaders.

Different notable outcomes included IM Harshavardhan GB’s win over GM Harika Dronavalli, whereas GM Pa Iniyan cut up the purpose with GM Adhiban Baskaran in an evenly fought sport.

With simply two rounds left, the title races in each sections stay intense — however within the Masters, Keymer’s commanding lead makes him the clear favorite to carry the trophy.

Masters Standings after Spherical 7

1. Vincent Keymer – 4.5 factors
2. Arjun Erigaisi – 4 factors
3. Kartikeyan Murali – 4 factors
4. Anish Giri – 3.5 factors
5. Liang Awonder – 3.5 factors
6. Jorden van Foreest – 3.5 factors
7. Vidit Gujrathi – 3 factors
8. Nihal Sarin – 3 factors
9. Pranav V – 2.5 factors
10. Ray Robson – 2.5 factors

Challengers Standings after Spherical 7

1. Pranesh M – 5.5 factors
2. Leon Mendonca – 5.5 factors
3. Abhimanyu Puranik – 5 factors
4. Adhiban Baskaran – 4 factors
5. Paneerselvam Iniyan – 4 factors
6. Diptayan Ghosh – 3.5 factors
7. Harshavardhan GB – 3 factors
8. Aryan Chopra – 2 factors
9. Harika Dronavalli – 1.5 factors
10. Vaishali R – 1 level

– Ends