Indian GM Vidit Gujrathi takes the lead in the Tata Steel Chess Masters.
Andrey Esipenko and Richard Rapport also won their games, putting them on two points with world No. 1 Magnus Carlsen and Jan-Krzysztof Duda, who also drew.
Indian Grandmaster Vidit Santhosh Gujrathi defeated Russia’s Daniil Dubov in the third round of the prestigious Tata Steel Aces chess competition to seize the lead with 2.5 points. Late Monday night, Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa, a 16-year-old Gujrathi compatriot, was defeated by Dutchman Jorden Van Foreest. Apart with Van Foreest, Andrey Esipenko and Richard Affinity both won their diversions, tying them with world No. 1 Magnus Carlsen and Jan-Krzysztof Duda on two points.
In the match between Gujrathi and Dubov, the Russian, in keeping with his innovative flair, brought an innovation in the Italian Opening as early as move 8.
The Indian Grandmaster chose a rather risky approach, trading his dark-squared bishop first and then accepting a key pawn sacrifice.
As a result, he slowed down his progress, while Black’s king became trapped in the middle.
Gujrathi earned a point by capitalizing on Dubov’s blunder on move 32.
With an unique line, Van Foreest surprised Praggnanandhaa and put considerable pressure on the black side. Praggnanandhaa held his own for a point before the Dutchman took control and won the match.
see also: Shaun Pollock discusses “The Key” to India’s Recent Test Success.
Carlsen battled back to split the point with Jan-Krzysztof Duda of Poland, while Anish Giri of the Netherlands drew with Shakhriyar Mamedyarov.
Gujrathi will face Espinenko in the fourth round on Tuesday night, while Praggnanandhaa will face Sweden’s Nils Grandelius in the 13-round final.
In the Challenger event, Indian GM Arjun Erigaisi defeated Belgium’s Daniel Dardha in the third round to tie for first place with two other players — Thai Dai Van Nguyen (Czech Republic) and Volodar Murzin (Russia) — who each got 2.5 points.
Another GM from India Max Warmerdam of the Netherlands held Surya Shekhar Ganguly to a draw, giving him two points after three rounds. After Round 3, the following are the standings: Masters: Vidit Gujrathi is number one. 2-6; 2.5 points Jorden Van Foreest, Jan-Krzysztof Duda, Magnus Calsen, Richard Rapport, Andrey Esipenko, and Jan-Krzysztof Duda 2; 7-8.
read more: Lewandowski wins FIFA best player vote ahead of Messi, Salah
Sam Shankland, Sergey Karjakin, Daniil Dubov, Anish Giri, Praggnanandhaa 1; 14. Nils Grandelius 0.5; 9-13. Fabiano Caruana, Shakhriyar Mamedyarov 1.5; 9-13.