8th Prague Masters 2026 R2: Aravindh Chithambaram bounces back

By admin February 27, 2026 Updated: May 11, 2026 0 comments

Aravindh Chithambaram struck back in the second round against Hans Niemann (USA) at 8th Prague International Chess Festival 2026 Masters. The World Champion, D Gukesh drew against Nodirbek Yakubboev (UZB).

Surya and Divya draw against Jonas and Yuffa

The second round witnessed two decisive results in the Masters and three in the Challengers. GM Surya Sekhar Ganguly and GM Divya Deshmukh drew against GM Jonas Buhl Bjerre (DEN) and GM Daniil Yuffa (ESP) respectively. Karel Janeček Open started yesterday. GM Sasikiran Krishnan is the highest rated Indian in the field, followed by IM Mayank Chakraborty.

Aravindh – Niemann: 1-0

Aravindh Chithambaram (2700) played two Classical rated games against Hans Niemann (USA, 2725) before this. Aravindh had lost both of them including one last month at Tata Steel Masters. It was time for Aravindh to score his first win against the American. Aravindh opted for the off-beat Hungarian Defence with the black pieces.

Position after 24…Bxb4

25.Nxg6 started a chain exchange Rxe1 26.Qxe1 Qc5 27.Qa1 Bb7 28.Nb1 Ne4? 29.c3!+- gave White a decisive advantage Bxc3 30.Nxc3 Nxg3 31.Bd3?! started turning things in Black’s favor. 31.Ne7+ Qxe7 32.fxg3 would have maintained the upper hand for White. 31…fxg6 32.Qa2+ Kh7 33.Qe6 Ne5-+ 34.g4 Nh4 Black consolidated and went on to win the game using his extra pawns.

Interview with Aravindh Chithambaram | Video: Prague International Chess Festival

The defending champion, Aravindh Chithambaram bounced back and scored his first Classical win against Hans Niemann (USA) | Photo: Petr Vrabec / Prague International Chess Festival

Anton – Jorden

Position after 20…h6??

Jorden van Foreest (NED, 2705) thought that 20…h6?? trapped the g5-bishop. Instead, it invited trouble 21.Nhxf5!?+- hxg5 22.Nxg7 Kxg7 23.Ne6+ Bxe6 24.Qxe4 Bf5 25.Qxf5 Qe3+ 26.Kh1 Rh8 27.Rde1 and it’s over.

Interview with David Anton Guijarro | Video: Prague International Chess Festival

Gukesh – Yakubboev: 0.5-0.5

The World Champion, D Gukesh (2754) played two Classical rated games against Nodirbek Yakubboev (UZB, 2691) before this battle. Gukesh lost the first one and the second encounter had ended in a draw. This time Yakubboev sacrificed his rook to expose Gukesh’s king.

Position after 25…Rxg2

26.Kxg2 Rg6+ 27.Kh1 Qc8 28.Kh2 Qc7+ 29.Kh1 Qc8 30.Kh2 Qc7+ and it’s a draw. Black does not have sufficient pieces to continue the attack and White had no other choice.

The World Champion, D Gukesh was forced to draw against Nodirbek Yakubboev (UZB) | Photo: Petr Vrabec / Prague International Chess Festival

The absolute gentleman of the sport – David Navara (CZE) received 45% vote to win Best Game of Round 1 award | Photo: Petr Vrabec / Prague International Chess Festival

Johan Berntsen, Tournament Director of the Tepe Sigeman, made the ceremonial first move of Round 2 | Photo: Petr Vrabec / Prague International Chess Festival