Fyers American Gambits Claim Thrilling Victory Over Triveni Continental Kings in Global Chess League
Dramatic Matchday 3 Highlights
New Delhi, December 16: In a thrilling conclusion on the Prodigy board, Fyers American Gambits managed to turn the tables and secure a stunning win against the reigning champions, Triveni Continental Kings, during Matchday 3 of the Global Chess League (GCL). The Gambits triumphed with a score of 10-8, following a decisive 12-3 victory by Ganges Grandmasters over PBG Alaskan Knights, as reported by a media source.
Ganges Grandmasters Dominate
Opening the day, Ganges Grandmasters showcased their prowess with a commanding win against PBG Alaskan Knights, highlighted by a much-anticipated match between chess legends Viswanathan Anand and Gukesh D. The match featured exciting encounters, including Arjun Erigaisi versus Vincent Keymer and Leinier Dominguez against World Cup champion Javokhir Sindarov. The competition began evenly, with Daniel Dardha and Raunak Sadhwani drawing their match, but Sindarov's victory over Dominguez gave the Grandmasters an early advantage.
Anand Shines in Icon Board
The Grandmasters tightened their hold on the match as Polina Shuvalova managed to convert under time pressure, while Keymer drew with Erigaisi. On the icon board, Anand confidently navigated a sharp Sicilian Defence after starting with the King’s Pawn, establishing a dominant position on the queenside and converting it effectively. The remaining draws solidified a comprehensive 12-3 win, marking the Grandmasters' second victory in three matches.
Anand Reflects on His Performance
After earning his first point of the season, Anand expressed his satisfaction, stating, "It’s nice to play against him (Gukesh); he’s a very combative player. But honestly, I would have taken the point against anyone. I am happy to score my first point (this season), it means a lot," according to a media release.
Kings vs. Gambits: A Clash of Titans
Later, the Triveni Continental Kings faced off against Fyers American Gambits, each team entering the match with different momentum. The focus was on the icon board, where Alireza Firouzja continued his impressive streak, defeating Hikaru Nakamura for his third consecutive win. The atmosphere was lively, with fans enjoying the action as Pranav V and Jose Martinez entertained in the fan zone. Wei Yi and Vladislav Artemiev fought to a balanced draw, as did Zhu Jiner and Bibisara Assaubayeva, while Alexandra Kosteniuk capitalized on a mistake by Teodora Injac to secure a vital win for the Kings.
Turning Point of the Match
The pivotal moment occurred on board 3, where Richard Rapport delivered an exceptional performance with Black, defeating Vidit Gujrathi in a complex match that even featured two White queens at one point. With the Kings leading narrowly at 8-6 as the match approached its conclusion, the outcome hinged on the prodigy board. There, reigning World Rapid Champion Volodar Murzin showcased his talent, overcoming Marc’Andria Maurizzi under pressure to dramatically shift the result in favor of the Gambits.
Rapport's Praise for Teammate
Rapport, who was named Player of the Match, expressed his happiness, stating, "I am very happy that after yesterday, both Volodar and I could strike back today. He (Murzin) did very well."
Upcoming Matches
The day concluded with Alpine SG Pipers facing upGrad Mumba Masters. The action continues on Matchday 4, featuring Fyers American Gambits against Alpine SG Pipers, PBG Alaskan Knights versus upGrad Mumba Masters, and Triveni Continental Kings meeting Ganges Grandmasters.