In an intense seventh-round match at the Prague Masters Chess tournament, Indian Grandmaster R. Praggnanandhaa faced compatriot D. Gukesh in a thrilling battle that ultimately ended in a draw. Despite holding a promising position, Praggnanandhaa was unable to secure a victory against Gukesh, who played with the black pieces.
The game, featuring an Italian opening, showcased Praggnanandhaa’s strategic prowess as he pushed for an advantage in the middle game. Gukesh found himself under pressure on the queen side, conceding a couple of pawns in the ensuing queen and rook endgame.
However, Gukesh displayed resilience and fought back relentlessly, seizing the opportunity when Praggnanandhaa faltered on the 37th move, missing a potentially winning manoeuvre. Despite facing an uphill battle, Gukesh managed to hold on for a draw after 91 moves, securing a valuable half-point.
Meanwhile, Uzbekistan’s Nodirbek Abdusattarov maintained his lead in the tournament standings by defeating Vincent Keymer of Germany in another gripping encounter. Abdusattarov’s victory marked a swift recovery after a challenging loss in the previous round against Praggnanandhaa.
The Prague Masters Chess tournament continues to deliver thrilling matches and unexpected twists, keeping fans on the edge of their seats as the competition unfolds.
