Quantbox Chennai Grand Masters 2026: Firouzja stuns the World Champion Gukesh

By admin July 18, 2026 0 comments

Alireza Firouzja defeated the World Champion, D Gukesh in Round 2 of Quantbox Chennai Grand Masters 2026.

Firouzja wins two in-a-row

Once again, Alireza Firouzja scored the sole win of the round and the remaining three ended in draws. Nodirbek Abdusattorov and Arjun Erigaisi played the most exciting game of the round. Hans Niemann and Nihal Sarin played a 132-move marathon draw. Dmitry Andreikin and Pranesh M played the shortest draw of the round.

Seven players are rated over 2700, six of them are in top 30. The average rating of the tournament – 2727. The total prize fund – ₹7500000.

Hans – Nihal: 0.5-0.5

Hans Niemann (USA, 2730) and Nihal Sarin (2717) had played two Classical rated games. Both of them ended in draws. This was their third Classical battle against each other.

Position after 17…Bxe4!?

17…Bxe4!? is an interesting sacrifice for two pawns. Black managed to get enough compensation. However, never more for the rest of the game. It ended in a draw after 132 moves.

Hans Niemann (USA) and Nihal Sarin played a 132-move marathon draw | Photo: Lokesh Natoo

Firouzja – Gukesh: 1-0

Alireza Firouzja (FRA, 2749) and D Gukesh (2717) faced each other in eleven Classical rated games. Firouzja won four, Gukesh two and the remaining five ended in draws. Their twelfth battle was a back and forth where Firouzja seemed to decisive advantage multiple times, only for Gukesh to get back in the game.

Position after 56.Kg3

The above knight endgame is still difficult for Black to save. However, 56…Nd2?? sealed Black’s fate 57.Nf6+- Kxb6 58.Kf2 h5 59.Nd7+ Kc7 60.Nxe5 Nxe4+ 61.Ke3 and it’s over. White won the game in the next few moves.

Alireza Firouzja (FRA) got the better of the World Champion, D Gukesh | Photo: Lokesh Natoo

Dmitry Andreikin and Pranesh M played a quick 18-move draw | Photo: Lokesh Natoo

Abdusattorov – Arjun: 0.5-0.5

Nodirbek Abdusattorov (UZB, 2766) and Arjun Erigaisi (2757) have faced each other eleven times in Classical rated games. Arjun won two, Abdusattorov four and the remaining five ended in draws. Their twelfth battle was an exciting one and it ended in a draw.