Prague Chess Festival: Gukesh and Divya Share Points in Second Round, Aravindh Triumphs Over Niemann

Gukesh and Divya Draw in Prague Chess Festival; Aravindh Claims Victory Over Niemann

Prague, Czech Republic – February 27, 2026, 10:00 IST

In a thrilling second round of the Prague International Chess Festival, reigning world champion D. Gukesh faced off against Nordibek Yakuboev, resulting in a hard-fought draw that left both players sharing the points. Meanwhile, Indian Grandmaster Aravindh Chidambaram showcased his strategic prowess by outmaneuvering American chess prodigy Hans Niemann to secure a full point for himself.

The match between Gukesh and Yakuboev was a tactical battle, with both players demonstrating their deep understanding of the game. Despite several promising positions, neither could find a decisive advantage, leading to a stalemate that reflects the high level of competition at this prestigious event.

In contrast, Aravindh’s game against Niemann was marked by aggressive play and sharp tactics. The young Indian star capitalized on a critical mistake by Niemann, allowing him to seize control and ultimately clinch the victory. This win not only boosts Aravindh’s confidence but also positions him as a formidable contender in the tournament.

Other notable matches included a draw between Nordibek Abdusattorov and Parham Maghsoodloo, as well as a stalemate between German Vincet Keymer and Czech David Navarra. In a standout performance, Spaniard David Anton Guijarro triumphed over Dutchman Jorden Van Foreest, adding excitement to the Masters category.

In the Challengers category, Women’s World Cup winner Divya Deshmukh played to a draw against Spain’s Danil Yuffa, while Jonas Buml Bejjerie and Surya Sekhar Ganguly also ended their match in a stalemate. Dutch player Thomas Beerdsen secured a victory over Benjamin Gledura, and Czech Stepan Hrbek triumphed against Jiner Zhu of China.

As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Gukesh and Aravindh as they aim to reclaim their momentum and secure their spots in the upper echelons of the leaderboard. With the competition heating up, the Prague International Chess Festival promises to deliver more thrilling encounters in the days to come.

Stay tuned for updates as these chess titans continue their quest for glory in one of the most prestigious events on the global chess calendar.