14-Year-Old Erdogmus STUNS World Champion D Gukesh at the FIDE Grand Swiss, R Vaishali tops Women’s section
New Delhi: 14-year-old Yagiz Khan Erdogmus of Turkey held World Chess Champion D Gukesh to a draw, in the second round of the FIDE Grand Swiss. While defending champion R Vaishali defeated Eline Roebers of Holland.
Gukesh had a chance to win against Erdogmus but ended up with a draw in a thrilling match marked by time pressure.
Praggnanandhaa secured his first tournament victory
Top-seeded Praggnanandhaa secured his first tournament victory by defeating Ivan Zenlyanskii, who was competing under the FIDE flag following Russia’s ban.
In the open section, which includes a prize pool of Rs 75399000, three players are tied for the lead with two points each, Alireza Firouzja of France, Parham Maghsoodloo of Iran, and Anton Demchenko of Slovenia.
Vaishali won consecutive games, earning two points
Vaishali maintained her impressive performance in the women’s division, winning back-to-back game and earning two points. She is currently tied for first place with Olga Bedelka of Austria. Vaishali, who won the tournament two years ago, is well-placed to claim sole leadership thanks to her strong rating.
Now in its fourth edition, the Grand Swiss tournament will see the top two players from each section qualify for the eight-player 2026 FIDE Candidates Tournament. These tournaments also decide the next challengers for the World Chess Championship.
The Open section includes 116 players competing for a prize fund of Rs 55116000, with the winner set to take home Rs 7939000. Indian grandmasters Praggnanandhaa, Arjun Erigaisi, and Gukesh are leading the field.
Story Highlight
- 14-year-old Yagiz Khan Erdogmus of Turkey held World Chess Champion D Gukesh to a draw, in the second round of the FIDE Grand Swiss.
- Top-seeded Praggnanandhaa secured his first tournament victory by defeating Ivan Zenlyanskii
- Vaishali maintained her impressive performance in the women’s division, winning back-to-back game and earning two points.
- The Grand Swiss tournament will see the top two players from each section qualify for the eight-player 2026 FIDE Candidates Tournament.
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