World Championship Challenger Gukesh Draws with Tournament Leader Caruana in Superbet Classic Chess Tournament

In a thrilling seventh round of the Superbet classic chess tournament, World Championship challenger Grandmaster D. Gukesh played out a draw with tournament leader Fabiano Caruana, while R/ Praggnanandhaa signed peace with Ian Nepomniachtchi in an all-draws day.

Caruana, the top seed from the United States, remains in the lead with 4.5 points, followed closely by Gukesh, Praggnanandhaa, and Alireza Firouzja of France, all half a point behind. Nepomniachtchi and Maxime Vachier-Lagrave share the fifth spot, with Wesley So, Anish Giri, and Nodirbek Abdusattorov not far behind.

Gukesh’s choice of the Italian opening gave him an advantage against Caruana, but the American was able to find the defense needed to secure a draw after 62 moves. Praggnanandhaa also had a solid performance against Nepomniachtchi, surprising him with his preparation and holding on for a draw.

With just two rounds remaining in the tournament, the next round matchups will be crucial in determining the final outcome. Caruana will face Praggnanandhaa, Gukesh will have a tough game against Anish, and Firouzja will look to conquer Nepomniachtchi for a potential victory in the Grand chess tour.

In other results from round 7, Nepomniachtchi drew with Praggnanandhaa, Deac Bogdan-Daniel drew with Alireza Firouzja, Anish Giri drew with Maxime Vachier-Lagrave, and Alireza Firouzja defeated Wesley So, while Nodirbek Abdusattorov drew with Nodirbek Abdusattorov.