D Gukesh Secures Hard-Fought Draw vs Nodirbek Abdusattorov at Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Tour

Indian chess prodigy D Gukesh made headlines on Friday as he secured a hard-fought 96-move draw against Uzbek Grandmaster Nodirbek Abdusattorov at the first leg of the Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Tour in Germany.

Despite being in a weak position towards the end of the game, Gukesh managed to hold on for a draw, with Nodirbek having two Knights and a King left on the board while Gukesh only had a King remaining. The reigning World Chess Champion showcased his resilience and strategic prowess in the face of adversity, ultimately securing a draw in a thrilling battle.

However, Gukesh’s success was short-lived as he suffered a defeat in the next round against Alireza Firouzja in just 27 moves. Firouzja capitalized on Gukesh’s tactical error and swiftly secured the win, showcasing his own skill and determination in the tournament.

Gukesh’s participation in the Chess960 tournament has been marred by controversy, with the FIDE recently denying official recognition to a Freestyle Chess World Championship. The sudden withdrawal of Viswanathan Anand, who initially accepted a wildcard entry, added to the drama surrounding the event.

Despite the challenges and controversies, Gukesh remains focused on his passion for chess. In a statement to ChessBase India, he expressed his views on the importance of classical chess and the experimental nature of Chess960.

As the tournament continues, fans and enthusiasts eagerly await Gukesh’s next moves and performances on the chessboard. Stay tuned for more updates and highlights from the Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Tour as the competition heats up.