How Did Gupta Outmaneuver Nikitenko in Round 9?
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Synopsis
In an electrifying Round 9 of the Delhi GM Open, Abhijeet Gupta expertly outplayed Mihail Nikitenko, claiming the sole lead in the tournament. With only one round left, tensions rise as Gupta vies for his fourth title. Can he maintain his dominance against fierce competitors? The chess world watches closely!
Key Takeaways
- Abhijeet Gupta leads the tournament with eight points.
- The final round promises high stakes and intense competition.
- Over 2,500 participants from around the world are competing.
- The event showcases the growing prominence of chess in India.
- A record prize pool of Rs 1.21 crore highlights the tournament's significance.
New Delhi, June 13 (NationPress) Indian Grandmaster Abhijeet Gupta has taken the lead in the 21st Delhi International Open Grandmasters Chess Tournament (Delhi GM Open) 2025, following a decisive Round 9 win against Belarusian GM Mihail Nikitenko.
With this victory, Gupta now stands at the top of the leaderboard with eight points from nine rounds, positioning him as the strong favorite for the championship as the final round approaches.
In the highlight match of the day, Gupta, playing with the white pieces, skillfully outmaneuvered co-leader Nikitenko in a tense battle, further solidifying his status as one of the most reliable competitors in the tournament. This result pushes Nikitenko into the group of contenders with nine points.
Among other significant matchups, Armenian GM Mamikon Gharibyan and Indian GM SL Narayanan ended in a draw, bringing both players to seven points. Vietnamese GM Nguyen Van Huy managed to hold India’s GM Diptayan Ghosh to a draw, resulting in both players also reaching seven points. Swedish GM Vitaly Sivuk drew with IM Nitin S, remaining in the tightly contested group of seven-point players.
In another crucial matchup, GM Aditya S Samant triumphed over Belarusian GM Aleksej Aleksandrov, advancing to 7.5 points. He is now joined in second place by IM Aronyak Ghosh, who defeated IM Sharnarthi Viresh to rise to 7.5 points as well. The two players are just half a point behind the leader, Abhijeet Gupta, as they head into the final round.
Other players such as GM Luka Paichadze, IM Manish Anto Cristiano F, and GM Deepan Chakkravarthy also achieved key victories, ensuring their positions in the top half of the standings.
The tournament, organized under the auspices of the All India Chess Federation, features over 2,500 participants from more than 20 countries, including 24 Grandmasters, with a record prize pool of Rs 1.21 crore. It stands out as a premier event in both Indian and Asian chess.
Category C, with 1,250 players, is also nearing its conclusion, with the final round set for Saturday. This section has a total prize pool of Rs 35 lakh, with the winner taking home Rs 4 lakh.
With just one round left, the atmosphere is charged for an exhilarating finale, where Abhijeet Gupta will aim to secure his historic fourth Delhi GM Open title, while challengers Samant and Ghosh gear up to seize their last opportunity.
Point of View
I can confidently state that the Delhi GM Open showcases not only the prowess of our Grandmasters but also reflects the growing prominence of chess in India. The tournament draws global attention and highlights the dedication of players who inspire the next generation. Our commitment to supporting chess continues, ensuring that we remain at the forefront of this sport.
NationPress
14/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is leading the Delhi GM Open?
Abhijeet Gupta is currently leading the tournament with eight points after Round 9.
How many rounds are left in the Delhi GM Open?
There is one round left in the Delhi GM Open, which is set to conclude soon.
What is the prize pool for the tournament?
The tournament boasts a record prize pool of Rs 1.21 crore.
How many participants are competing?
The tournament features over 2,500 participants from more than 20 countries.
Who are some notable players in the tournament?
Notable players include Abhijeet Gupta, Mihail Nikitenko, and Aditya S Samant among others.
