Indian chess prodigy D Gukesh showcased his tactical brilliance by defeating compatriot and former second Pentala Harikrishna in the seventh round of the Tata Steel Masters in Wijk aan Zee, Netherlands. Playing with the white pieces, the 18-year-old World Chess Champion delivered a masterful performance, outmaneuvering India No. 7 Harikrishna and securing a commanding position by the 29th move. Unable to recover, Harikrishna conceded defeat on the 45th move.
With this victory, Gukesh advanced to a joint lead in the tournament standings, alongside fellow Indian R Praggnanandhaa and Uzbekistan’s Nodirbek Abdusattorov, each tallying 5 points. The champion has maintained an impressive unbeaten record, with three wins and four draws.
This result added to Harikrishna’s challenging tournament, having previously lost to Praggnanandhaa in round two. Interestingly, Harikrishna was one of Gukesh’s seconds during the World Chess Championship against Ding Liren in Singapore, contributing to his success behind the scenes.
Gukesh continues to solidify his reputation as India’s chess sensation, recently overtaking Arjun Erigaisi in live ratings to become India No. 1. The eighth round will witness another thrilling match, with Gukesh facing Praggnanandhaa, this time with the black pieces. The tournament promises more exciting battles as Indian players dominate the leaderboard.
Gukesh’s remarkable rise in the chess world highlights not just his skill but also the depth of talent emerging from India. His consistent performances against seasoned players, including compatriots like Harikrishna, underscore his readiness to lead Indian chess on the global stage. As he prepares to face Praggnanandhaa in a highly anticipated eighth-round clash, fans eagerly await another display of strategic brilliance. With Gukesh and other young talents shining brightly, Indian chess seems poised for a golden era.
