Tata Steel Chess Masters: Abdusattorov and Gukesh Battle to a Draw, Sarana Secures a Win

GM Nodirbek Abdusattorov showcased his ruthless skills in round six of the 2025 Tata Steel Chess Masters, but GM Gukesh Dommaraju, the world champion, managed to escape with a draw after a thrilling battle. Abdusattorov still leads the tournament alongside GM Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu, while Gukesh is just half a point behind with seven rounds to go.

In the Tata Steel Chess Challengers, GM Erwin l’Ami maintained his lead after a round of draws among the top players. However, the highlight of the round was 11-year-old IM Faustino Oro’s impressive victory over IM Divya Deshmukh, showcasing his fine endgame skills.

The only decisive game in the Masters was between GM Alexey Sarana and GM Vladimir Fedoseev, with Sarana emerging victorious. Fedoseev had been on a winning streak but was unable to overcome Sarana’s strategic play.

In the Challengers, 16-year-old Ediz Gurel faced a tough defeat against 19-year-old Aydin Suleymanli, who climbed up to fourth place in the standings. The standout result was 11-year-old Faustino Oro’s win over Divya Deshmukh, displaying maturity beyond his years.

As the tournament progresses, the excitement continues to build with the upcoming rounds. Round seven is set to begin on Saturday, January 25, with some exciting matchups on the horizon. Additionally, chess enthusiasts can participate in the Tata Steel Online Chess Blitz Tournament on Sunday, with the chance to win prizes and compete against players from around the world.

The Tata Steel Chess Tournament, now in its 87th edition, is being held in Wijk aan Zee, the Netherlands, with both the Masters and Challengers groups competing in a 14-player round-robin format. Stay tuned for more updates and coverage of this prestigious event.