Chessable Masters 2022 R13-15: Praggnanandhaa advances to the Quarterfinals

by Shahid Ahmed - 23/05/2022

Praggnanandhaa swindled Vidit in a completely lost position to win the crucial game. He became the second Indian to advance to the knockout stage of a Meltwater Champions Chess Tour event. Arjun Erigaisi was the first to do so last year in June. A win in the final round of Prelims would have seen Vidit make the cut instead of his opponent. The 16-year-old defeated Abhimanyu Mishra, drew with Sam Shankland then beat his fellow countryman to setup a clash with Wei Yi in the Quarterfinals. The remaining six Quarterfinalists are - Anish Giri, Magnus Carlsen, Ding Liren, Shakhriyar Mamedyarov, David Anton Guijarro and Aryan Tari. Quarterfinals start tonight at 9:30 p.m. IST.

Anish Giri tops the Prelims, remains unbeaten

Anish Giri defeated Wei Yi in Round 13. He drew the next two games against Carlsen and Tari respectively to finish first in the Prelims 29/45. Magnus Carlsen finished second 28/45. Ding Liren and Praggnanandhaa scored 25/45 each. Giri and Ding Liren are the only two players who are still undefeated so far in this event.

Pragg becomes the second Indian after Arjun Erigaisi to advance to the Knockout stage of a Meltwater Champions Chess Tour event

Round 13: Abhimanyu - Praggnanandhaa: 0-3

World's youngest GM Abhimanyu Mishra (USA) was unable to handle a sharp position against Praggnanandhaa.

Position after 35...Qe7

Black has a deadly threat of Bc5 looming large. Both bishops are going pierce through White's kingside. Find out the only defence for White. 36.Qf2?? was played and White lost the game in a hurry after 36...Bc5 37.d4 Qe4 38.Qg2 Bxd4+ 39.Kh1 Rxa5 and it's over.

Round 14: Grandelius - Vidit: 0-3

Vidit Gujrathi defeated Sweden no.1 Nils Grandelius in a sharp battle.

Harikrishna - Abhimanyu: 3-0

Harikrishna's knight in the endgame caused a knightmare for Abhimanyu Mishra.

Position after 44...Ke7

It is obvious that White is going to win this. Abhimanyu witnessed Harikrishna's endgame prowess first hand, although he got a few chances to get back in the fight.

Round 15: Vidit - Praggnanandhaa: 0-3

Vidit and Praggnanandhaa went on a rollercoaster ride. First Pragg got a decent advantage, then things turned in Vidit's favor.

Position after 29...Qg4

30.Qg5 Qxg5+ 31.hxg5 would have been a smooth way for White to attain victory. 30.Qe3 Re8 31.Qf3 Qd4 32.Qf6+ Kh7 33.Ne6 Rxe6 34.Qxe6 Qxd3 35.Qe7+ Kh6 now White blundered 36.Rf8?? Pragg pounced on the opportunity, 36...Qb1+ 37.Kd2 Rxb2 38.Ke3 Qe4+ and White resigned as checkmate is inevitable.