Chennai Grand Masters: Karthikeyan Upsets Vidit, Keymer Nears Championship

Karthikeyan Stuns Vidit as Keymer Tightens Grip on Chennai Grand Masters Title.

Grandmaster M Karthikeyan kept his podium hopes alive at the Chennai Grand Masters with a hard-fought win over compatriot Vidit Gujrathi in the seventh round on Wednesday, while German GM Vincent Keymer strengthened his hold on the title race.

Playing black, Karthikeyan prevailed in a tense tactical battle, outmaneuvering Vidit in the middlegame before sealing the full point. Keymer, meanwhile, delivered a precise, clinical victory over American GM Awonder Liang to stretch his lead to 1.5 points.

Arjun Erigaisi, Keymer’s closest pursuer, was held to a draw by Dutch GM Anish Giri, a result that dented his title ambitions with only two rounds left. GM Nihal Sarin scored against GM Ray Robson after sustained pressure, while GM Jorden van Foreest and GM V Pranav split the point.

Erigaisi now faces a must-win clash against Vidit in Round 8 and will hope other results swing his way. Liang, in similar need, takes on Giri. Keymer could clinch his maiden Chennai Grand Masters crown on Thursday if he defeats Van Foreest with white.

Challengers Section: Leaders Neck and Neck
GM Leon Luke Mendonca stayed in joint lead after overcoming GM Diptayan Ghosh in a tense contest. Sharing the top spot is M Pranesh, who beat GM R Vaishali in a sharp tactical encounter. GM Abhimanyu Puranik drew with GM Aryan Chopra and sits half a point behind the leaders.

Other notable results saw IM Harshavardhan GB defeat GM Harika Dronavalli, while GM Pa Iniyan and GM Adhiban Baskaran drew their game.

With two rounds to go, both sections remain tightly contested, but in the Masters, Keymer’s commanding lead makes him the overwhelming favourite.

Masters Standings after Round 7:

• Vincent Keymer – 4.5
• 2-3. Arjun Erigaisi, Karthikeyan Murali – 4
• 4-6. Anish Giri, Awonder Liang, Jorden van Foreest – 3.5
• 7-8. Vidit Gujrathi, Nihal Sarin – 3
• 9-10. V Pranav, Ray Robson – 2.5

Challengers Standings after Round 7:

• 1-2. M Pranesh, Leon Mendonca – 5.5
• 3. Abhimanyu Puranik – 5
• 4-5. Adhiban Baskaran, Pa Iniyan – 4
• 6. Diptayan Ghosh – 3.5
• 7. Harshavardhan GB – 3
• 8. Aryan Chopra – 2
• 9. Harika Dronavalli – 1.5
• 10. Vaishali R – 1