Chennai Grand Masters 2026: Frenchman Firouzja begins campaign with over Pranesh
Chennai, July 16
French Grandmaster Alireza Firouzja registered the sole win of the opening day against Indian GM M Pranesh in the fourth edition of the Chennai Grand Masters 2026, India's most prestigious classical chess tournament, at the Westin Hotel in Chennai on Thursday.
Firouzja, playing black, defeated Pranesh in a marathon game that lasted 79 moves, with the Frenchman making the most of his pawn on the f-file in a rook-pawn ending.
In the day's other matches, World Champion D. Gukesh was held to a draw by GM Nihal Sarin in an all-Indian clash, while GM Arjun Erigaisi split the point with GM Dmitry Andreikin after just 42 moves.
The only clash not involving an Indian GM, between Nodirbek Abdusattorov and GM Hans Niemann, ended in a draw after 44 moves.
The tournament will have the eight grandmasters face off in a double-round robin format, with all games to begin at 3:00 PM IST starting Thursday.
The Chennai Grand Masters tournament has become an important milestone in the chess journey of many players, as Gukesh won the crown in the inaugural edition and went on to qualify for the Candidates and eventually win the world title. He will be the only former champion in the fray this year.
Results (Round 1):
GM Nodirbek Abdusattorov (0.5) drew with GM Hans Niemann (0.5)
GM Arjun Erigaisi (0.5) drew with GM Dmitry Andreikin (0.5)
GM M Pranesh (0) lost to GM Alireza Firouzja (1)
GM D Gukesh (0.5) drew with GM Nihal Sarin (0.5)
Round 2 Pairing:
GM Hans Niemann (0.5) vs GM Nihal Sarin (0.5)
GM Alireza Firouzja (1) vs GM D Gukesh (0.5)
GM Dmitry Andreikin (o.5) vs GM M Pranesh (0)
GM Nodirbek Abdusattorov (0.5) vs GM Arjun Erigaisi (0.5)
— IANS
Reader Comments
Great win by Firouzja but honestly, 79 moves is too defensive. I expected more fireworks from a field this strong. Also, why not have more Indian players? We have so many talented GMs now - this tournament should showcase them better. Just my two paise! 😅
From a fan from Chennai - incredible to see how far Indian chess has come! Gukesh winning the world title after starting his journey in this very tournament gives me goosebumps. The double round-robin format ensures we get maximum chess action. Go Gukesh! 🏆
Lovely to see Nihal holding Gukesh to a draw - shows the depth of Indian talent! But I think the organizers should consider live-streaming with better commentary for the global audience. The production value at Tata Steel or Norway Chess is much higher. Chennai Grand Masters deserves world-class coverage too.
So excited for Round 2! Firouzja vs Gukesh is the match we all want to see. Alireza is in great form but our world champion has nerves of steel. Also, Arjun Erigaisi had a solid draw - that guy is going places! Chennai is blessed to host such elite chess. Namaste to all chess lovers! 🙏
As a chess enthusiast visiting India, this is fantastic! The energy at the tournament is electric. Gukesh's rise from winning here to world champion is an inspiring story. However, I wish the pairing included more variety - every round seems to have multiple Indian vs Indian matches.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.