Can Alpine SG Pipers Secure Their Title Aspirations After Defeating American Gambits?
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Synopsis
In an electrifying Matchday 4 of the Global Chess League, Alpine SG Pipers clinched their second consecutive victory, thanks to stellar performances by GM Leon Luke Mendonca and Nino Batsiashvili, while Mumba Masters dominated their match against Alaskan Knights. Will this momentum carry them closer to the title?
Key Takeaways
- Alpine SG Pipers achieved their second consecutive win.
- GM Leon Luke Mendonca showcased exceptional skills on the prodigy board.
- Nino Batsiashvili secured a dramatic win for her team.
- upGrad Mumba Masters dominated their match against PBG Alaskan Knights.
- The action in the Global Chess League continues with more exciting matches ahead.
Mumbai, Dec 17 (NationPress) Alpine SG Pipers have surged into title contention by notching up their second successive win, propelled by another remarkable performance on the prodigy board from GM Leon Luke Mendonca and a last-minute triumph by Player of the Match Nino Batsiashvili during Matchday 4 of the Global Chess League (GCL) on Wednesday.
The Pipers triumphed over Fyers American Gambits with a score of 10-4, while upGrad Mumba Masters delivered a commanding 18-2 victory against PBG Alaskan Knights.
In the opening match of Matchday 4, the Alpine SG Pipers opted to play white after winning the toss for the second consecutive match, aiming to build on their victory over the overnight leaders, upGrad Mumbai Masters.
The contest was closely contested among the top four boards, but Mendonca shone brightly, defeating World Rapid Champion Volodar Murzin on the prodigy board, giving his team a crucial edge. Adopting a Closed Catalan strategy, the GM from Goa seized control with a bishop sacrifice on the 18th move and maintained the pressure until his Russian opponent ran out of time on move 46.
In the women's face-off, Nino was under significant pressure for much of the 61-move battle against Injac Teodara, but she turned the tide with three advancing pawns, forcing Teodara to resign and briefly propelling her team to the top of the standings.
“I played all in and pushed my pawn, and at some point (I had a chance to win),” Nino, who achieved her third victory in four matches, remarked.
Subsequently, upGrad Mumba Masters capitalized on wins from Koneru Humpy and Dronavalli Harika to secure a resounding victory over PBG Alaskan Knights with black pieces, solidifying their position atop the leaderboard. Humpy faced a precarious situation against Kateryna Lagno but seized on her opponent's error after a queen sacrifice, leading to Lagno's resignation after 33 moves.
On the adjacent board, Player of the Match Harika triumphed over Alexandra Kosteniuk in 50 moves, while Alaskan Knights' Arjun Erigasi lost to Wesley So after running out of time. On the icon board, world champion D Gukesh's quest for a win continued as he was held to a draw by Maxime Vachier-Lagrave in 31 moves. Bardiya Daneshvar rounded out the Mumba Masters' tally with a win over Daniel Dardha.
In the final match of the day, Triveni Continental Kings will face off against Ganges Grandmasters.
The action continues on Matchday 5, with upGrad Mumba Masters set to battle Triveni Continental Kings, Alpine SG Pipers squaring off against PBG Alaskan Knights, and Ganges Grandmasters meeting Fyers American Gambits.
Point of View
The recent performances in the Global Chess League highlight the growing competitive spirit within the chess community. The victories of both Alpine SG Pipers and Mumba Masters reflect the dedication and skill of these players, making for an engaging viewing experience for fans and showcasing the sport's evolution in India.
NationPress
18/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the score of the Alpine SG Pipers vs. American Gambits match?
The Alpine SG Pipers defeated the Fyers American Gambits with a score of 10-4.
Who was the Player of the Match in the Alpine SG Pipers match?
Nino Batsiashvili was named the Player of the Match for her outstanding performance.
What was the result of the match between Mumba Masters and Alaskan Knights?
The upGrad Mumba Masters convincingly won against PBG Alaskan Knights with a score of 18-2.
Who performed notably for the Mumba Masters?
Koneru Humpy and Dronavalli Harika were key players for the Mumba Masters, leading to their victory.
What is the significance of these matches in the GCL?
These matches are crucial as they impact the standings and title aspirations in the Global Chess League.
