Indian Grandmasters R Praggnanandhaa and D Gukesh would look to bridge the hole with chief Ian Nepomniachtchi of Russia once they restart their campaigns within the eighth spherical of the Candidates chess event in Toronto. Teen sensation Praggnanandhaa will likely be up towards Frenchman Firouza Alireza, whereas Gukesh will tackle compatriot Vidit Gujarathi when the event resumes on Saturday. While all three Indians have had an honest outing within the open part to this point, it’s defending champion Nepomniachtchi who’s in prime place to finish a hat-trick of titles on the midway stage.
With 4.5 factors to his credit score, Nepomniachtchi can be completely satisfied together with his efficiency and stands because the favorite with half level greater than nearest rivals Praggnanandhaa, Gukesh and high seed Fabiano Caruana of United States.
Gujrathi on 3.5 factors is thought to rise in direction of the tip of tournaments and one can anticipate him to come back firing within the second half together with Hikaru Nakamura, who shares the fifth spot with him.
Alireza comes subsequent in standings on the seventh spot with 2.5 factors, a half level away from Nijat Abasov of Azerbaijan.
It has been a narrative of much less hits and extra misses for the Indian trio.
Earlier within the occasion, Gujrathi had clearly outplayed Caruana and within the earlier spherical too his place seemed commanding towards Abasov earlier than settling for attracts.
Gukesh additionally loved an incredible place towards Alireza within the earlier spherical and the Frenchman was beneath super strain with the clock ticking away too.
However, luck didn’t appear to be on Gukesh’s facet and it took some critical errors on his half at hand the purpose to Alireza.
Praggnanandhaa has been very strong and has proven super preparation right here. His black-piece draw with Caruana in a French protection was a working example exhibiting his super confidence and his victory over Gujrathi earlier had already proven the risk-taking means.
Against Alireza, the earlier outing was a draw and Praggnanandhaa will attempt to use his white items properly within the return sport.
“I have been playing quite well and am happy with the quality”, Praggnanandhaa mentioned.
He shortly singled out his victory towards Gujrathi as his favorite to this point.
“Coming after a loss it was quite important to do well their.” Gukesh will have black pieces against Gujrathi in a game that is likely to draw many eyeballs in the live telecast.
For the record, Nepomniachtchi and Caruana are the only two unbeaten players at the half-way stage.
In the last two attempts that he won, Nepomniachtchi had been leading the event after fifty per cent game which is no different from this time.
Though Caruana is one player who can hit the top gear at any point and his fans are only waiting for that to happen. The Indian challenge in the women’s section has not quite taken off contrary to expectations. Many had believed Konery Humpy’s experience and R Vaishali’s fearless play might come in handy for both but it has yet to show in the first seven games.
The two are currently at the bottom of the tables with 2.5 points each while the tournament leader Zhongyi Tan has five points.
Following Zhongyi Tan closely is Aleksandra Goryachkina of Russia and it looks like the battle for the crown is between these two players.
However, just a couple of quick victories can still propel the Indians up, and it will be something they will be hoping for.
(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
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