D Gukesh Rescues a Draw Against Alireza Firouzja After Fierce Battle

New Delhi : In a thrilling encounter at the Freestyle Grand Slam Tour in Hamburg, Germany, world champion D. Gukesh staged a remarkable comeback to secure a hard-fought draw against France’s Alireza Firouzja in the first game of the final round. The intense battle saw Gukesh on the defensive for most of the game, navigating several tense moments before salvaging a crucial half-point in a long and grueling endgame.

Gukesh’s resilience in this match is particularly significant as he fights for a spot in the top eight qualifiers. The game showcased his defensive prowess and deep calculation abilities, as he managed to neutralize Firouzja’s aggressive play. Despite being under pressure for much of the contest, Gukesh found precise moves to force a draw, demonstrating why he is considered one of the brightest young talents in the chess world.

Meanwhile, world number one Magnus Carlsen rebounded strongly from his semifinal loss to Germany’s Vincent Keymer with a dominant victory over Uzbekistan’s Javokhir Sindarov. Playing with the black pieces, Carlsen showcased his superior strategic understanding, dismantling Sindarov’s position with precise and aggressive play. With this victory, Carlsen now emerges as the clear favorite to win the third-place playoff, reinforcing his status as a formidable competitor even in setbacks.

In another high-stakes matchup, American grandmaster Hikaru Nakamura delivered an impressive performance, also winning with the black pieces against Uzbekistan’s Nodirbek Abdusattorov. Nakamura’s game was particularly dramatic as Abdusattorov initially held a strong and comfortable position. However, a series of tactical inaccuracies allowed Nakamura to turn the tables, seizing control and ultimately securing victory. This result bolsters Nakamura’s standing in the tournament and adds further excitement to the ongoing competition.

The Freestyle Grand Slam Tour has witnessed some of the most intense chess battles, with top players delivering high-level performances. As the tournament progresses, the fight for qualification spots and podium finishes remains fierce. Gukesh’s ability to hold Firouzja despite a difficult position exemplifies his tenacity, while Carlsen and Nakamura’s commanding wins highlight their experience and adaptability.