8th Prague Masters 2026 R7: Aravindh misses a win against Yakubboev

By admin March 5, 2026 Updated: May 13, 2026 0 comments

Vincent Keymer (GER) scored the lone win of Round 7 at 8th Prague International Chess Festival 2026 Masters. Jorden van Foreest (NED) maintained his sole lead 5/7 with a draw against Nodirbek Abdusattorov (UZB). Aravindh Chithambaram and World Champion, D Gukesh drew against Nodirbek Yakubboev (UZB) and Parham Maghsoodloo (IRI) respectively.

Challengers: Divya draws against Jonas, Karel Janeček Open: Mayank in pursuit of Stalmach

In the Challengers, GM Surya Sekhar Ganguly scored his first win of the event against GM Jiner Zhu (CHN). FIDE Women’s World Cup 2025 winner, GM Divya Deshmukh drew against GM Jonas Buhl Bjerre (DEN).

Karel Janeček Open: IM Mayank Chakraborty drew against IM Christian Gloeckler (GER). They both are trailing the sole leader, IM Richard Stalmach (CZE) by a half point at 6/7 each with GM Sasikiran Krishnan and FM Havard Haug (NOR). Sasikiran won against IM Ataberk Eren (TUR).

Aravindh Chithambaram missed a great opportunity against Nodirbek Yakubboev (UZB) | Photo: Petr Vrabec / Prague International Chess Festival

Aravindh – Yakubboev: 0.5-0.5

Aravindh Chithambaram (2700) and Nodirbek Yakubboev (UZB, 2691) have played four Classical rated games against each other. Yakubboev won one and the remaining three ended in draws. Aravindh got a great opportunity to score his first win against Yakubboev.

Position after 33…Qc5

One of the best chances Aravindh had in the entire game was the above position. 34.Ra8 would have finished things soon.

Position after 41…Re8

42.Be4 or Be6 would have maintained White’s decisive advantage. Instead, 42.Qc3?? allowed Black to get back in the game Re1 as White had to force a draw via perpetual check to avoid loss 43.Qf6+ Kh6 44.Qg7+ Kg5 45.Qf6+ Kh6 46.Qg7+ Kg5 47.Qf6+ Kh6 and the game ended in a draw.