Chennai Grand Masters: Karthikeyan Defeats Vidit, Keymer on Verge of Title
Karthikeyan Downs Vidit, Keymer Edges Closer to Chennai Grand Masters Title.
Grandmaster M Karthikeyan kept his strong finish hopes alive with a gritty win over compatriot Vidit Gujrathi in Round 7 of the Chennai Grand Masters, while German GM Vincent Keymer tightened his grip on the title. With black pieces, Karthikeyan navigated a tense middlegame before outplaying Vidit to secure the full point. Keymer, meanwhile, produced a flawless performance to defeat American GM Awonder Liang and extend his lead to 1.5 points.
Arjun Erigaisi, the closest challenger, was held to a draw by Dutch GM Anish Giri, damaging his chances with only two rounds left. GM Nihal Sarin overcame GM Ray Robson after sustained pressure, while GM Jorden van Foreest and GM V Pranav drew their game. Erigaisi now faces a must-win clash against Vidit, while Keymer could seal his maiden Chennai Grand Masters crown in Round 8 with a victory over Van Foreest.
Challengers Section: Tight at the Top
GM Leon Luke Mendonca and M Pranesh share the lead after wins over GM Diptayan Ghosh and GM R Vaishali respectively. GM Abhimanyu Puranik, who drew with GM Aryan Chopra, trails by half a point.
IM Harshavardhan GB beat GM Harika Dronavalli, while GM Pa Iniyan and GM Adhiban Baskaran settled for a draw.
Masters Standings (after Round 7):
- Vincent Keymer – 4.5
- 2-3. Arjun Erigaisi, Karthikeyan Murali – 4
- 4-6. Anish Giri, Awonder Liang, Jorden van Foreest – 3.5
- 7-8. Vidit Gujrathi, Nihal Sarin – 3
- 9-10. V Pranav, Ray Robson – 2.5
Challengers Standings (after Round 7):
- 1-2. M Pranesh, Leon Mendonca – 5.5
- 3. Abhimanyu Puranik – 5
- 4-5. Adhiban Baskaran, Pa Iniyan – 4
- 6. Diptayan Ghosh – 3.5
- 7. Harshavardhan GB – 3
- 8. Aryan Chopra – 2
- 9. Harika Dronavalli – 1.5
- 10. Vaishali R – 1
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