Nihal Sarin beats World Champion Gukesh again, on the verge of winning Menorca Masters 2026

Nihal Sarin defeated the World Champion, D Gukesh for the second time in three days at Menorca Masters 2026. However, Nihal lost the following round game against Richard Rapport (HUN). Gukesh bounced back with a win against Pentala Harikrishna.

Ponomariov and Rapport in the fray

Nihal Sarin needs a draw as a minimum against Ruslan Ponomariov in the final round to become a clear champion.

Round 8: Gukesh – Nihal: 0.5-0.5

The reigning World Champion D Gukesh went wrong in the rook and opposite color bishop endgame.

Position after 37…b4

In an already difficult position, 38.Kg2?? turned things completely in Black’s favor. 38…Rb2+ 39.Kg3 Rb3 40.Bg1 Bd5 41.Rb6 Rxf3+ and Black won the game in ten more moves.

Nihal Sarin defeated the World Champion twice in three days | Photo: Saji Mathew

Pentala Harikrishna – Ruslan Ponomariov (UKR): 1-0 | Photo: Saji Mathew

Round 9: Harikrishna – Gukesh: 0-1

Gukesh bounced back with a victory against Pentala Harikrishna using Hippopotamus Defence with the black pieces.

Pentala Harikrishna – D Gukesh: 0-1 | Photo: Saji Mathew

Richard Rapport (HUN) – Nihal Sarin: 1-0 | Photo: Saji Mathew

Replay 8-9 games

Round 8-9 pairings and results

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Standings after Round 9

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Links

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