Magnus vs MVL, Anand vs MVL | Global Chess League Day 5

Hello and welcome to day five of the Global Chess League Season Four in here in Bangalore.

With me, two of my great friends, best one of the best commentators. In chess, Sagar Shah and Sahaj Bhai.

How are you?

Bhai, I am so excited right now.

वो ऐसे ये हो रहा है, ऐसे pumped up feel हो रहा है। भाई, I think I think आपके जैसा pumped up मुझे भी आज feel होना है hopefully. But what a day it's going to be, Sagar Bhai.

It is incredible because today I believe two teams might decide that okay they cannot make it to the top two. ऐसे मुझे लग रहा है। Because we have two teams who are on six points. The rest of the teams have nine points. Very important day for the Triveni Continental Kings, who scored a huge win yesterday against the APL Alpine Pipers.

Wow!

The Triveni Continental Kings are the most dangerous team right now, Sayaj Bhai.

Absolutely.

मुझे लगता है कि उनको रोकना थोड़ा मुश्किल होने वाला है. It's going to be tough to stop them.

Hundred percent. And you know, because they didn't have the best start, but after that they just keep winning. And there we see. The format we have, uh, um, you know, we have 6 teams. We are going to have a double round robin event.

We already saw the first half of the event conclude yesterday. The second half of the event starts from today, and we are getting closer and closer to know who is going to qualify for the grand final. You need to finish in the top 2 standings after the end of this round robin stage. Yes, and the point scoring system—one of the most exciting ones in the world of chess—with black getting four points for every win, white getting three points for every win, and a draw gets you one point. I think ये जो scoring system है, because of this we have had so many decisive matches.

And yesterday was an example of this because game one and game four—all six games were a result. 3-3. However, 3 black wins just count 1 more point than, uh, you know, having wins with white.

Well, we say the Global Chess League where you can expect the unexpected. Winning with black is surely, you know, having a premium in this tournament, and for the right reason. Not so easy to play for a win with the black pieces. Guys, would you say that in this format black is the new white?

I, I mean, there can be an argument for that, right? Because Alpine APL Pipers have, if I'm not mistaken, they've had all black so far. And I mean, they are currently— I mean, with black pieces, you are— you tend to be more, you know, solid. But it looks like they're leading the event. And there we see the standings. The Fires American Gambits, they have one extra match. But look at, you know, Alpine APL Pipers, Czech Mumba Masters, Ganges Grandmasters. All of them, I think, are having— maybe they're in a slightly better position in comparison because they have an extra game. It's a close race.

It's a close race. You can see there are 4 teams with 9 match points. 2 teams, the PBG Alaskan Knights and Triveni Continental Kings, in somewhat of must-win situations already. As you can see that the game points are also something that are going to matter a lot. Guys, I'm going to make a bold prediction. Today, I'm saying that the Triveni Continental Kings ends up in the top two position today at the end of the day because they have two matches and I am imagining them to win both and reach twelve match points. Look at the fixtures now. Today, we have Czech Mumbai Masters versus Alpine APL Pipers, Ganges Grand Masters versus Triveni Continental King.

What a match this looks like, Ganges versus Treveni. And then we have, of course, PBG Alaska. Nice. They haven't had the best event so far, but I think hoping, you know, they can, uh, you know, uh, sort of climb up the ladder there against the Czech Mumba Masters. And then finally we have Treveni versus the Fires American Gambits. Now this is, this is going to be an extremely exciting matchup. I mean, this will be so, so, so cool. I mean, imagine Firouzja versus Sindarov is gonna happen at the end of today. That's going to be a big match and a big day for the Triveni Continental Kings. As you said, they are playing a doubleheader today.

2 matches, one against the Ganges Grandmasters, the other against the Fire American Gambits.

Let's talk a little bit about the match that we have in front of us. It is going to be between the Alpine APL Pipers and the Czech Momo Masters.

It feels as if the Czech Momo Masters have somehow found great rhythm in recent rounds. In fact, all of their players seem to be in decent shape, right? MVL, Pranesh, Mamedyarov. हरिका करिशा मेबी दानेश्वर एस वेल आई मीन दे आर डूइंग क्वाइट वेल सो मेबी इट वुड बी नॉट अ रोंग स्टेटमेंट तू से दैट द मैच लुक्स वेरी इवन तू मी राइट नाउ बट द क्वेश्चन इज़ ऑन विच बोर्ड डू दे एक्चुअली स्कोर ऑन बिकॉज़ यू नो बिकॉज़ अल्पाइन हैव हैड ब्लैक सो फार एंड On which board do they actually look to score? Well, the last time that these guys played against each other, it was a very close affair. It was a score of 8-10 for the Alpine APL Pipers.

We had seen Harika had won her match against Divya Deshmukh. We had seen Pranesh had defeated Anish Giri. That was a big result. Oh my, that was huge.

Like, Pranesh beating Anish, if he does it again, I will be stunned.

You know, whatever happens, I mean, we have to give it to Pranesh. I think he has performed— I mean, he was a last-minute replacement, but at— I mean, He has performed so well in this event so far, and and still half of it is you know still yet to go.

He belongs here, I feel. Absolutely belongs on the second board. He's saying that I am not the last minute replacement. I'm actually the player who belongs in the Global Chess League. Anish Giri with white, although is a very tough opponent, so maybe there I think Pranesh will struggle today. But let's see. I think with it. Versus Shakriyar Mamedyarov. This game is interesting because Vidit did beat Shak, and Shak attack will come all out against him.

I think there are a lot of players who are looking for revenge from the last matchup. We had seen that Shakriyar lost, uh, his match against Vidit. We had also seen Divya lost her match against Harika with the black pieces.

She will be looking to get her first win in the tournament, Sagar bhai. She has not found it yet. Not yet any game. That's so rare for Divya, right? She's always So, so aggressive. She wins her games, but not here.

I mean, I think the format is just built this way that momentum is everything, I think, for each of these players. But yeah, I mean, it's going to be a tough match. And I think I do agree with you. Overall, it looks kind of even. And now we'll go to Aarav for the coin toss.

5 days in and now there is no easing into it because the coin tosses are done. No heads, no tails. Now it is time for the good old color swaps. And for the same ceremony, we are here. Let us call upon the match official, our tournament director, Mr. Bharat Singh. And now the coaches of the 2 teams for the color swap. From Czech Mumbai Masters, we have सूर्यशेखर गांगुली एंड अल्पाइन एपीएल पाइपर्स वी हैव प्रवीण तिप्से। लेट्स प्रोसीड विद द एक्सचेंज। द पाइपर्स गिविंग द ब्लैक पीस टू मास्टर्स एंड मास्टर्स रिपीटिंग इट विद एन एक्सचेंज Giving the white pieces to the Alpine APL Pipers. You all have played black pieces so far. Now there's a change. What else has changed? Probably the strategy or how you approach a game?

Well, I think our approach has been to finish the black pieces first so that whenever need arises, we could play more forcefully. And as you know, in game of chess, white has slight advantage, but the players are playing at a very strong level, so it may not be a considerable advantage, but we want to be more comfortable in the second half. And that had been the purpose of our earlier toss choices. And we're happy to play 5 blacks. It's like 5 whites now because it's like playing an entire tournament with white colors.

Now that you all have played with the black pieces, all white pieces left, more control of the game. Do you think in the second half of the game when you probably have more control or the momentum to dictate the game, it is an advantage?

Yes, we hope to do that, and I'm sure that it will turn out as we plan.

Of course, as I said, players are so strong that perhaps the color doesn't matter much at this level, but still we hope to have an edge in every match.

All right, all the best for today's game. Thank you. All right, the reverse fixtures begin. You get black. What are your thoughts?

Nothing special. Our philosophy is, you know, Stay in good spirit.

We do lots of sports games, and yeah, we look forward to the match.

You know, probably two people that come to my mind for today's game is if y'all want to win, two crucial players who you would have to stop with it and Humpty. They've been really consistent throughout the last couple of games so far. Any special plans for them?

I think neither I nor any of my team members, be it players or from the team owners, I don't think we think in this particular way that one particular player. It's a team. Every single game matters. Every single move matters.

We move together, we play together.

Every single board matters. But all the best for today's game.

Exactly.

Thanks a lot.

That is it from the color exchanges. The Alpine APL Pipers will be playing white while the Czech Mumba Masters will be playing black.

जब एक इंडियन के हाथ में पावर आता है, दस हजार रन का माइलस्टोन पार हो जाता है। जब हर इंडियन के हाथ में पावर आएगा, इंडिया कितने और माइलस्टोन पार करेगा? इसलिए योनो देता है हर इंडियन के हाथ में पावर। The all new योनो, power to every Indian.

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अरे बेटा क्या कर रही हो?

पापा, हमारे यहाँ प्लास्टिक रीसाइकलिंग का प्रॉब्लम नहीं है, प्लास्टिक कलेक्शन का प्रॉब्लम है। और हम सब मिलके नहीं करेंगे, तो फर्क कैसे पड़ेगा?

मानिचंद ऑक्सीरिज प्राउडली इंडियन कुछ लोग इतनी तेजी से बढ़ते हैं कि पता नहीं चलता जैसे कि एपीएल पोलो स्टील पाइप्स एयरपोर्ट से लेकर आपके घर तक कुछ ऐसे ही स्टील की ताकत को एपीएल पोलो बनाता है देश की बढ़ती ताकत एपीएल पोलो देश की बढ़ती ताकत The chief guests have arrived. Salute! Salute करो, salute करो। Salute हटाओ, ये पीलाओ। Long non-sticky full of veggies. Formality हटाओ, ये पी खाओ। आपके क्रेडिट कार्ड की ड्यूडेट में सो चुकी है, जिसकी वजह से पेनल्टी चार्जेस की सीटी बजने वाली है और क्रेडिट स्कोर के गिरने की वजह से आपके होश। यानी कि आपके हालात बिगड़ने की संभावना है। Credit payments की चिंता हमेशा सर पे। आओ check pay, सारे credit cards के bill एक click में pay करो और one percent वापस पाओ। Redeem करो for vouchers या सीधा cash discount। Credit card है तो check करो। Five rupees, that is the whole difference. At fifty orders a day, five rupees become sixty thousand rupees annually. With Fyers Prime, every order costs you ₹15.

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पर हम भी जिद्दी हैं। तीस से ज़्यादा क्वालिटी चेक्स, विटामिन ए और विटामिन डी से युक्त और खाना भी बने स्वादिष्ट। खाने में समझौता नहीं, अच्छा खाना शुरुआत से ही। इंडिपेंडेंस। जब ग्यारह इंडियन के हाथ में पावर आता है, इंडिया क्रिकेट के मैदान में वर्ल्ड चैम्पियन बन जाता है। जब हर इंडियन के हाथ में पावर आएगा, इंडिया और कितने मैदानों में वर्ल्ड चैम्पियन बन जाएगा। इसलिए योनो देता है हर इंडियन के हाथ में पावर। The all new योनो, power to every Indian.

We are now minutes away from the big encounter of the Czech Mumba Masters, with MVL spearheading it, taking on the Alpine APL Pipers with Magnus Carlsen playing. Sehaj bhai, in the break, had some very interesting statistics for us. Sehaj bhai, would you like to share it with our viewers as well?

I just wanted to ask, who do you think is the best performer in this tournament so far? And drop, you know, drop it in the chat. Like, let us know what you think your answer is, because I mean, I think the answer is kind of obvious, but but but there are so many you know good players, so many different contenders that it's a it's like you have to choose. But the answer, Arshad bhai, it's easy to miss.

It's easy to miss how well this player is playing, but he has been crucial for the fires American Gambits.

He is Nihal Sarin. Woo! Let's go. Yep.

Nihal Sarin is the one who's played very well, but he won't be in action right now. We have the team of the Alpine APL Pipers led by Magnus, Anish, Vidit, Hampi, Divya, Murzin, taking on the Czech Mumba Masters MVL, Shaq, Pranesh, Dhaneshwar Bhardia, Harika, and Carissa Yip.

And you know, Carissa Yip started her— started her journey in the Global Chess League with 3 losses.

Has turned it around with two wins in a row.

It's going to be crucial for the Czech Muma Masters to have her do well on her board against Koneru Hampi. And there we see the pairings in front of us. We've got the goat of chess going against MVL, the former world blitz champion. And then we have Vidit Gujarati going against Shakriyar Mamedyarov, the Shak Attack. Then we have Anish versus Pranesh, Divya versus Harika. That match is going to be extremely exciting. They were former teammates and now you know they are opponents. Then we have Hampi going against Karissa Yip, and then finally on the Prodigy board we've got Volodar Murzin against Bardiya Taneshwar. And Sagar bhai, again I want to ask you this question: on which board do you think the Czech Mumba Masters are looking to score today? Let's break down each board and let's make a prediction.

Absolutely.

Oh, we used to do that as well. Yeah, let's let's do it. Let's do it.

Let's do the first board, Harshit bhai. No long explanations, just Magnus or MVL. Magnus. Wins. Yep, Magnus.

Oh my God! And Sagar, by you?

I would say it will be a draw. Okay. वितित गुजराती शक्रियार मामेदियारो। That's a tough one.

This is tough.

That's board three. I think Shakriyar. Shakriyar.

I think Shakriyar as well. Me too. Anish Giri versus Pranesh M.

This time I'm going to go for a surprise.

I'm going to go for Pranesh.

I was playing pickleball with him yesterday. He's in very good mood, playing some excellent chess. Okay, okay.

I'm going to go with Pranesh on that one. I think, yeah, no long explanation. I think because it's a faster format, I'm going to choose Pranesh as well.

Anish, man. Anish with white, too strong. I'm going for him. Hampi versus Carissa Yip.

First, yes, Hampi versus Carissa Yip. I'm going to go for the in-form Carissa Yip to be able to continue her momentum. Okay. I'm going to go with Hampi ji. I mean, she has won. She's played 5 blacks and she's— I think she has 3.5 or something like that. She's played an incredible tournament so far. I'm going with Hampi ji here.

I think it's going to be a draw there. Divya versus Harika. Oh, Divya versus Harika. The last time they played against each other, Harika won.

I'm, I'm gonna say that they are going to equalize their score in this.

No, Divya wins. Divya wins.

Oh wow, that's gonna be a tough one. I am gonna choose a draw here.

Draw, me too. And Volodar Murzin versus Dhaneshwar Bardia.

Well, this match is going to be super important. I have a feeling that हर्षित भाई वाला पट्टा दबा दिया। I'm sure. Do it for Czech Masters. I think the former world rapid champion Volodar Murzin. Sagar bhai, I think a draw. You think a draw as well? Yeah, crazy.

So I think from all our predictions we were like going on both sides, right? Yeah. It was not like one side was the absolute favorite as such, but I thought from Harshit's kind of he he did choose more Alpine players than Check, or maybe you choose.

It was actually a toss-up because I did also choose, for example, Magnus Carlsen and Divya Deshmukh to win. Right. The only thing to be aware about is that if we have two wins with white and two wins with black, the players with black will win.

As we see the Alpine APL Pipers making their way into the playing hall, Magnus Carlsen for sure has a lot of fans signing some autographs there. Smiles on the faces of the players. I think Magnus is— oh, look at this, he's so happy!

He is so happy right now. You know, out of all of the teams, at least this is my feeling, that Alpine are maybe in the best position because, well, they have 5 rounds remaining and all 5 of them with the white pieces. They are pretty much in the top 2, you know, spot even at the end of the day, right? Um, they must be quite happy.

I think in general, um, Alpine look in good spirits. Magnus looks in good spirits. There was a golf session today. I believe he was there. He was there. He loves golf. And also in one interview, Magnus mentioned how much he loves playing in India as the passion that he sees from fans has been very nice for him.

But you know, but you know, but you know, I feel that it's also because Magnus always wins in India as well. I mean, every time he comes here, he wins everywhere. Yeah, that's also true. That's a good point.

Somehow, you can sense it that he's respecting these fans who've come on a weekday in the afternoon. And he stood there giving his autographs before the game. And you could see that one old gentleman who was there, he was like shaking. He was like, whoa, I'm getting my, you know, sheet signed by him.

And you know, sometimes just because we are in so many events where Magnus plays, we no longer have the desire so much to ask him for pictures every single time.

But of course, as a chess fan, I think, you know, it's—

Absolute honor and privilege to be in the same event as him, to just be around him.

It's so nice. I mean, it wouldn't be an overstatement to say that half of the tickets or maybe even more than that would have been sold because Magnus.

Oh, for sure. It could be a hundred percent. And you know, yesterday I met a fan who basically got his chessboard signed by Magnus Carlsen, and he was so happy. And and and and he was like, "Saj Bhai, can you please get Vishy sir to sign on the board as well?" So I have the chessboard with me, and I'm and I'm gonna get it signed by Vishy sir as well. You know, for the fan there.

Nice. And there we have the check Mumbai Masters for Harika. There are no distractions. She means business leading the pack of the team there very quickly. Harika is like, "Bye, आज तो I'm not going to let my opponent win." She is going all in. And by the way, Shakriyar Mahamedyarov is the guy who I think keeps the team calm, cool, and collected, right? He's the funniest guy on the team is what everyone has mentioned.

You know, it's always the players who are so aggressive on the board that they're so peaceful, you know, like when it comes to their personality. I mean, if you look at Shark's chess, I mean, he sees— we call it Shark Attack for a reason. Look at Arjun, for example. He's known as the Madman, but such a calm, composed guy. Agreed.

And I really love this Czech Mumbai Masters team because it's like they are all bonding together well. You could see Pranesh and Karisayeb talking to each other. It's a very cool team in a way. There is no— like, we don't see them as one person being completely aloof from each other. Like, right now we did see Harika who was moving ahead. But I mean, anyone who knows Harika knows what a team player she is.

Oh, absolutely. As you said, I think it's very important for a team to not get too excited when they win and not get too upset when they lose. And that kind of shows the kind of—

You know, mentality they have. This is the head-to-head encounter between the icon players, between Maxime Vachier-Lagrave and Magnus Carlsen. We have 1 win each, 4 draws, and the score is level again amongst both of them. Well, I think in general, Maxime Vachier-Lagrave has had a very good score against Magnus Carlsen. I remember seeing him beating him many occasions. So he's not someone who doesn't believe in himself.

I think it's going to be a good fight. Also, look at the last 5 matches. Draw, draw, win, draw, draw. They're like completely even. Yeah, 50-50. So this is as close as it can get.

Right. And I mean, it's kind of very interesting, this scorecard that we had. I'm not sure on what parameters they had because—

It was the last 5 games against each other.

Because they must have played a lot against each other over the years, and all the GCL encounters that they would have played. Because I think MVL has played every single GCL, while Magnus has played three editions now out of four.

And I see some people saying in the chat, "I wish I was in Bengaluru." Guys, I have to say beautiful atmosphere here, beautiful organization done by the Global Chess League.

Right behind us is the fan zone where people can watch all of the games. And let's go straight to Arohi for the start of the match.

Before the city, there was the game.

64 squares.

2 minds. 1 empty seat.

Pull back far enough and the board has a skyline.

The palace holds the file.

The rook The spire owns the diagonal.

The bishop. Only one piece leaps.

The knight.

Every direction, every distance.

The queen.

First to step forward.

The pawn. And the seat of power keeps its own square.

The king.

6 franchises take the board.

Equals until the first move.

Every game ends the same way. One seat, one name on it.

Tech Mahindra Global Chess League Season 4 in Galuru starts now.

Take your seats.

The pieces may be similar. But the positions are constantly changing, just like the color of the pieces changed hands today as teams start their reverse fixtures. Hello and welcome to the Tech Mahindra Global Chess League Season 4. As we go on to the second half of the tournament, every point becomes crucial. Now, every time we come here and mention that, why not let's just call the teams because they are going to be going up against each other in the scramble for points on the leaderboard. Give it up for the Czech Mumba Masters and the Alpine APL Pipers!

Thank you.

It's now time for the player introductions. Let's start with the Alpine APL Pipers. 6 times World Rapid Champion, Magnus Carlsen. 5 times Dutch Champion, Anish Giri. Best wipe coder amongst chess players, Vidit Gujarati. Women's World Cup winner Divya Deshmukh. Padma Shri Hampi Goneru. Former World Rapid Champion Volodar Morzin. And their coach Praveen Deepse. And now put your hands together for the Czech Mumba Masters, the strategic mathematician Maxim Vasyolograv, India's 79th Grandmaster Pranesh, 2 times Gashimov Memorial winner Shakriyar Mamedirov. Padma Shri Harika Dronavalli. 4 times US Women's Champion Karissa Yip. Rising Iranian superstar Bardiadaneh Eshwar. And their coach Surya Shekhar Ganguly. All the best to the 2 teams. You may now move for handshakes. And now for the first move, may I please call upon Mr. Gaurav Rakshit, Lead Commissioner, Chief Arbiter Mr. Gerd Bayer, and our special guest for today. Mr. Sudarshan Asokan, aka Goofy Gen Chess.

And we have the very well-known creator Goofy Gen Chess making the first move, a3, with Magnus being like, hmm, that's interesting. All those who are not aware, Goofy Gen has close to 2 million followers on Instagram. He makes brilliant chess content in Tamil, and it's very nice to see him here making the first move of the game.

I think got him like a couple of thousand followers at least, you know.

He at least it got the acknowledgement from Magnus.

100 percent. Something cool. 100 percent. By the way, we do have the first moves on the women superstar Divya versus Harika. We have the Scotch opening in front of us, Sagar bhai. It's the Scotch.

Like Scotch has been seen a lot in this tournament. As we see, let's have Harika and Divya on our screens. This is the board that we have. The queen comes out early in the opening, keeping an eye on the f2 point.

Absolutely. And then she goes for knight to b3. Now this is a bit of a, I think, a surprise for me because generally You wait for bishop to c5 to play knight b3, so you can kick that bishop away. Generally, when the queen comes out to f6, the knight goes to f3 instead. So I think this is maybe why Harika is thinking.

Hmm, so Harika, maybe Divya has some new ideas up her sleeve here. Pawn to f3, building this strong center. The queen very weirdly placed on g6, very aggressive, at the same time slightly offside.

अब्सोल्युटली मजेदार पोजीशन। अब्सोल्युटली और उसी के साथ साथ ये भी समझा रहा है वो बिशप एफ वन पे एकदम बंद गया है और आप शॉर्ट कासल नहीं कर पा रहे हो बट दिव्या इस सेइंग मुझे शॉर्ट कासल करना ही नहीं है आई वांट टू ब्रिंग माय बिशप आउट टू ई थ्री क्वीन टू डी टू लॉन्ग कासल एंड ब And Sahaj bhai, here Karissa, when Hampi began the game with knight f3, knight f6 and d4, she played the move d5. थोड़ा ऐसे extended fianchetto बोलते हैं इसको थोड़ा ऐसे space भी ले लिया और bishop के लिए जगह भी बना दिया। और उसी के साथ साथ c4 को भी रोक दिया। a4 का भी जो ideas रहते हैं उसके बाद अब b4 push कर सकते हो। So I think this is a good especially when whenever you play this opening and your opponent is not prepped it's always a good idea. I've had some very, very good results with the black pieces here, but still early days. By the way, we have another liftoff between Anish and Pranesh, as we can see on our screens. Yes, another— wait, wait, wait, what was that?

This is, I think, inspired a bit by Gukesh. If you remember, he played it with Nijatabasov during the Candidates in 2024. But, uh, Sahaj bhai, we have to make our bet. So the bet that we are making here, and we spoke about it a bit. If Pranesh wins this game, then I will do five push-ups. But if Anish wins this game, then Sehaj bhai will do five push-ups.

Oh, bhai, उसने G four भी खेल दिया। Wait, can we? Can we? Can we like redo this bet? G four के बाद थोड़ा risky लग रहा है, Sagar bhai. It feels like Pranesh is black.

Sorry, Pranesh is white.

Yeah, yeah, yeah. But what is going? Anish is supposed to be solid, no? Supposed to be solid and get that you know advantage in the opening and then. धीरे-धीरे करके grind करना। What is g4?

Well, but the thing is he played g4 and Pranesh didn't even think and chopped off the knight on c3. This is going to be a crazy game. Sahaj bhai getting ready for five push-ups perhaps, or will it come on me? We will see. Let's go to Vidit Gujarati versus Shakriyar Mamedyarov now. What an amazing intro for Vidit! Best vibe coder amongst chess players. Would you agree?

I am kind of Sure that he is the one. Hundred percent, I think he is. I think he knows so much about you know. I mean, he has created so many different projects when it comes to you know coding and such. But of course, coming back to the game, ये एक बहुत ही typical सी position है. Black कभी भी C takes D four मार सकता है. White कभी भी D takes E five मार सकता है. ये लग रहा है Anish का game हो सकता है. But at the same time, ये Vidit का भी game हो सकता है. Because they are very similar in this sense.

Yeah, true, true. I I think I like this position for Vidit because you remember Shakriyar had an isolated pawn against Arvind Chidambaram and then he went and sacrificed here. This looks similar to that. Let's go to our icon board because we have another Sicilian today.

ये आज इस tournament में ऐसा लग रहा है ना बहुत सारे players Sicilian ही खेल रहे हैं। Like E4 E5 is completely I mean it it's largely E4 E5 is what we expect more. Correct. But इस event में I think Sicilian maybe because it's rapid maybe because black से जीतने पे आपको चार point मिलते हैं। That could be another factor, but we can see players are choosing more dynamic openings.

Sagar bhai, that's look that looks really interesting. क्योंकि Sicilian एक थोड़ा ज्यादा aggressive opening है then E4 E5 and I think the rapid format, the team tournament, 4 points for a win with black. All of this is motivating players to take some risks.

Hundred percent. We are also both of us wearing black shirts over here, you know. So we are supporting.

Are you supporting? No, bhai. No, no. I am not supporting anyone here. But I do have some thoughts about who could win specific games in this encounter. But to tell you the truth, guys, I do feel that this match is very evenly matched at the start of this because while the Alpine APL Pipers have been doing really well, the Czech Mumba Masters in last couple of matches have been too good.

Absolutely, they have. उनका resurgence मतलब study करना चाहिए हमको। By the way, we have the Moscow variation in front of us and A4 खेला है। मैग्नस काल्सन ने यूजुअली ये तब खेला जाता है जब ब्लैक अगर a six खेल के बिशप को ऐसे भगाएगा तो बिशप विल कम बैक टू e two and then you can't play b five anymore। हम्म फिर मैं निकालूँगा नाइट c three पे then I'll push d four maybe at the right moment but I think he's not planning to take on d seven। या मैग्नस में not take this knight so MVL सोच में पड़ गए and this is rare because MVL is usually quite well prepared so I don't know what he's thinking Maybe he's just recollecting his analysis.

What should I play to pawn to a four? We'll come back to this encounter. Let's quickly head over to the prodigy board. We haven't seen that yet between Dhaneshwar Bardia taking the black pieces and Volodar Murzin. So ये वाले गेम में we see that there's a bishop pinning the knight here, Saj Bhai, and this bishop pinning the knight here. Oh wow!

So दो pins. Pin is a win. But okay, this is a एक वियर्ड चीज़ यहाँ पे ये लग रही है सागर भाई कि व्हाइट ने C4 फेंका हुआ है यहाँ पे। Generally वो पॉन्स C2 पे रहता है and knight C3 आप निकालते हो and you just try to develop normally. What I feel is that after a move like C4, he does not want his opponent to play D5 and he also has this तिरछी नजर on queen A4। हम्म। इसीलिए वो knight D7 खेला था कि वो पिन हट जाए वहाँ से। Right। So he can maybe challenge it, maybe move the knight if you know white tries to put pressure there. But now he plays knight bd two. Very interesting. Over protecting the knight, over protecting the knight. ताकि queen को वापस फिर वो a four पे लेके जाए। I like you know Volodar's chances in this position.

Right. Volodar starting off well. He hasn't particularly played amazingly well in this tournament. But you never know if the world rapid champion can make a comeback. We have to head over to board number two between Anish Giri. And Pranesh, and look at. Can we have the expressions of Sahaj bhai on our screen, director sahab? Because five push-ups are very soon coming in, Sahaj bhai.

Oh my God! ये क्या चल रहा है भाई? G four, H four, G five मतलब. I mean like what's going on? I I'm I'm at a complete loss of words here. Like कौन attack कर रहा है? कौन defend कर रहा है?

I mean firstly. You see that Pranesh played a good move by bringing his knight in. Anish said, "I'll push my pawn forward," and at this point, f6. Anish went h4, and the most unconventional move, g5. कुछ भी मतलब what is this? Just to not can you explain our viewers who are watching this why is this कुछ भी move? Like what is the reason why you expressed it this way?

Because I think वो चाह देखो I think Anish का prep है ये hundred percent sure हूँ but लेकिन I think He didn't want to give Anish the momentum because G5 के साथ जब आप attack मारते हो ऐसे तो अभी उधर white would push here तो प्रणेश ने बोला मैं ही रोक देता हूँ मैं ही रोक देता हूँ क्योंकि Anish ने देखा नहीं होगा तो मतलब कुछ भी चल रहा है यहाँ पे but what is king G8 पे पड़ा हुआ है कोई आपका घर पे कोई भी मतलब सारे pieces घर पे queen bishop knight वो queenside एक piece touch नहीं किया आपने and you are playing G5 I think ये तो That Anish Giri का थोड़ा confidence कम है ये tournament में he isn't playing well.

So I can take as much risk as I want. पर भाई, as was announced, that Anish is world number ten, five time Dutch champion. Anish अंदर ही अंदर अभी he would be very happy. Hundred percent.

I mean how can you not be happy? But एक एक you know two Pranesh's credit. एक चीज है यहाँ पे.

क्या है भाई? मतलब white का क्या?

I'm trying to find.

एक चीज है लेकिन फिर सोचने का.

तो सोचना पड़ रहा है क्या चीज है वो you know just because it's not clear. But I mean, I think king जो है वो E one pair. Like वो आप castle short castle तो नहीं कर सकते. Long castle आप करोगे नहीं.

भाई वो safe लग रहा है.

हाँ बहुत safe लग रहा है भाई. Actually. भाई plus two हो गया है.

What is this? This is already winning position after just ten moves. I think Anish looks like the favorite.

तो अगर भाई pawn takes pawn, pawn takes pawn, knight takes pawn is winning. No way. Knight takes pawn is winning right now.

Let's just show it to our viewers. Can we have the analysis board? Because this would be a good point to analyze. Pawn takes pawn, and now Sahaj bhai with this incredible move knight takes pawn. And the point is if you take with the knight, my queen enters in. So you definitely take with the pawn, and now you push the golden pawn f three, f three, and the knight cannot move. क्योंकि queen अंदर आ रही है। Why knight d two queen check checkmate? That is ridiculous. Here and now, guys. What's the checkmate here? White to play and एक move में checkmate क्या है? Let's see if people back home and in the audience are able to spot it. I think we have a very amazing crowd in the audience. They would be like, hmm, Sagar, Sahaj, please ask us tougher questions. You know, Rook h1 checkmate.

Wow! Check And still all of those pieces on the queen side were just not, you know, they're still at home.

And he takes f takes g five. Sage by again this move is possible. Do you think Anish will do it?

इसमें थोड़ा ज्यादा difficult है क्योंकि अभी knight g five अगर आपने मारा तो knight takes g five में भी मैं capture कर सकता हूँ वापस। And queen check के बाद वो okay let's let's analyze by sage by gm for a reason. भाई बहुत घटिया चाल है, I'm sure of it.

But check king h8 and queen से मार के आपने check दिया तो you wanted to block हाँ just knight से मैंने यहाँ पे छोड़ दिया था and then I push my pawn forward it is coming directly भाई it's going for a mate अगर ये होता है तो I'll get ready for the push-ups भाई because this is a gg already well let's see do you think he takes भाई उसकी नजर भी g5 के pawn पे है I think Anish Anish is too fresh right now to not take on g5 Just the start of the game, and if Anish does not take on g5, then Pranesh can hope to survive. But एक बार अगर knight takes g5, can we have that view, director sahab, where we see the board and the clock and the two players?

It would be nice to see if Anish Anish देखो पूरा ये side देख रहा है board Exactly उसको नजर पूरा king side की तरफ है क्या मतलब कौन सा sacrifice कब आना चाहिए यहाँ पे knight g5 bishop g5 सोच रहा है But oh look at that, look at his entire body is on the G5 square right now.

Anish is like why Pranesh this move I've already locked in. I'm just making my final checkings right now.

Yep, yep and I think knight takes G5 के बाद it would be very I mean it's just completely winning. Yeah there is basically no defense objectively winning इसको कह सकते हैं हम but एक थोड़ा एक analysis है यहाँ पे सागर भाई थोड़ा सा हम डिटेल में जा सकते हैं मैं भी आई जस्ट सो समथिंग नाइट टेक्स अगर आपने पॉन मारा लेट्स से मैं पॉन से कैप्चर करता हूँ आप वो गोल्डन पॉन को पुश करते हो एफ थ्री अब मैं नाइट को नहीं हटाता यहाँ से आईल से आईल प्ले क्वीन टू एफ सिक्स पहली चीज मैं वो स्क्वायर को बचा रहा सहज भाई इस गोइंग डीप हियर एंड ही शोइंग व्हाई अनिश इस टेकिंग इस टाइम हियर। तो ये पॉन पुश के बाद नाइट इस हैंगिंग बट द क्वीन कैन कम तू गिव अ चेक एंड पिक अप द रुक। यस, एक्जैक्टली। एंड क्वीन चेक के बाद आई थिंक दैट पुट्स अलॉट ऑफ प्रेशर ऑन अनिश। बट मुझे ये नहीं समझ आ रहा Which is to move the rook one square, and if Anish is he going?

Is he going? Let's go! Let's go! Full screen! Let's go! Anish, is he going to make this move? You can see his hand is up in the air, and oh, he takes it! Oh wow! Wow! Anish Giri, super GM for a reason, takes on G five here, and Pranesh is like, hmm, ये थोड़ा मैंने I had not seen it. I had not calculated, but he's ready.

भाई ये आपका line होने वाला है। ये फटाफट खेलेगा अभी f3 play queen f6 सहज भाई what calculation by by Anish yeah brilliant but you know Sagar भाई I have played such positions you know with Pranesh many times जहाँ पे एकदम winning होती है आपकी but वो he's so tricky yes and I mean I think a lot of players would attest to it yeah he did the same to Gukesh as well hundred percent yes in in the Chennai Grandmasters absolutely but I think in positions में प्रणेश जस वो जाग जाता है because He senses and he starts to you know play those moves जहाँ पे जो सबसे obvious चाल होगी वो वो हमेशा गलती होती है। तो this is Pranesh's territory and we could also make an argument कि this is not Anish's territory.

This is not Anish's territory, but sometimes you know when you give such a chance to a player like Anish, he will grab it and he just knows it. I'm waiting for Queen f6 to be played here. That seems like the most logical move which we analyzed. In this position, Anish is already looking at other games. वो बोल रहा है भाई दोस्तों and Queen f6 on the board. Can Anish play Rook h1? Oh wow!

He's ready with it. भाई what calculation is this?

Guys bow down to the Anish Anish juggernaut right now. What a move!

Rook h1 and let's just also identify that कि भाई अगर Queen f6 पे ना होती let's say f7 पे होती तो Knight वापस जा सकता था f6 पे सब बचाते हुए। ऐसे तो नहीं चलता है। This is such like no this is such great calculation. Beautiful. Beautifully, because the knight is pinned still. The knight takes queen p, cd checkmate or h7 p.

So like if knight g3, cd checkmate queen h7. Boom! It's a checkmate to the king in the corner, and that is why Pranesh cannot even touch his knight. He will lose this knight, and then his king would be exposed. In fact, Anish will be completely winning here. Time to shift our attention to another board. Let's go to the icon board to see कि भाई is the Czech Mumbai Masters doing well here? Sahaj bhai, your feelings? Is Maxime doing well?

I think this is a typical what मतलब Sicilian जो मतलब sorry Moscow variation. It transposed into some kind of an open. But लग रहा है कि I think Magnus is more comfortable to me.

Why do you think that white is better?

Ah, I think more comfortable because that pawn on a6 just थोड़ा सा it's it's it's it's a pressure point for me. लोनली थोड़ा लोनली है ब्लैक के पीसेस अभी तक बाहर नहीं आए हैं बिशप जैसे बी सेवन पे आता है तो नाइट एफाइ करके मैं बिशप को फिर से लात मार सकता हूँ एंड आई कैन प्ले एफ थ्री आल्सो तू जस्ट सॉलिडिफाई मायस मेरा पॉन है सेंटर में आपका पॉन कोई नहीं है सेंटर में मी बिकॉज़ ऑफ़ द At some point, a pawn आगे बढ़ गया, तो it can be nice to put pressure on these two pawns.

ये दोनों file open भी है, तो यहाँ पर pressure डाल सकते हैं and we can see two board views. This is so beautiful because while we are analyzing Magnus versus MVL, we can keep an eye on what's happening between Pranesh and Anish.

Wow wow and दोनों positions I mean कितनी different लग रही हैं देखके एक में एकदम pure आग लग चुकी है, दूसरे में अभी तो बहुत time है। You know, everything seems you know balanced here. But maybe bishop takes knight on the left board and then queen d3. That would seem very you know Magnus like. Endgame की तरफ जाओ.

So take, take and queen d3. So यहाँ पर हम थोड़ा we can just have a look at whether he'll take bishop takes knight or not. But on the other hand, Sahaj bhai. I'm a bit worried for the Czech Mumbai Masters team. The reason is, while they're clearly worse on the Anish board, Anish Pranesh board, where is their point coming from? I don't see it yet because सारे boards पर Alpine APL Pipers ने कब्जा बनाकर रखा है. They are playing really well with the white pieces. Absolutely.

They look extremely solid all across. But I have a feeling. Let's say Harika versus Divya में थोड़ा chance है because Should we go to Harikadivya? Let's jump there. Yeah, let's check. Check it out.

Okay, by the way, one second. One move has been played by Pranesh. Pranesh ने अपना रुक को एक कदम आगे लाया है। So here we see on the both boards are Pranesh. Rook f seven played here.

Absolutely, absolutely. And he takes the pawn on d four. And right now Pranesh sorry Anish is a pawn up.

Yes, and essentially if you give a check, Anish is saying by मैं तो side में हट जाऊँगा। And Rook H7.

Wait, wait a second.

Rook H7? Oh my God!

Because Rook takes पे तो मेरा वो check है ना entire time.

अरे यार guys सहज भाई is a GM for a reason. He finds incredible moves but he doesn't find the response to that. That is why he's not a super GM yet. Sorry भाई। मैं सोच रहा था कहाँ जा रहा है ये white to play.

सहज भाई ब्यूटीफुल क्वेश्चन हियर। लेट मी थिंक बिशप ई वन। लुक एट लुक एट व्हाट सहज हैज़ डन। इफ़ रुक टिक्स रुक पहले मैं बिशप को चेक से मारके फिर इसको मारूंगा। वाओ, आई मीन सो दैट्स एन इंटरमेज़ो। बट मेबी बिशप ई वन। यस। क्वीन एफ वन चेक नाउ। एक्जैक्टली। और देन यू प Can we say that maybe it is possible that Anish didn't look this far ahead? Because after Rook h7, like Bishop e1 is a very tough to see. He saw it.

Anish Giri is today in good shape.

I think he'll see it now obviously, but maybe when he— we have to ask him. We definitely have to ask him later on. But I think Bishop e1 is a very tough move because it's it's so sharp. I mean it would be very impressive.

हो गया हो गया हो गया check आ गया है Anish ने king को d1 पे and Pranesh Is going to go rook at seven. According to me, that's the best move for him. It's also the tricky move. But somehow, you know, Anish's moves are the only moves, and usually for strong players, only moves doing is a possible thing.

Of course, I think this is especially अगर आप if you if you do anything else, then you know the things it could just be lost for Anish as well. And he doesn't do it. He takes pawn takes pawn. I think position थोड़ा ज्यादा simplify हो रहा है and this is where the Tricky part of Pranesh, I think, comes in. Now, of course, Anish is winning on paper. Hey, but but tricky a position.

What is tricky? I just push my pawn forward, open my queen's path. You go rook g seven. अच्छा.

I think that's why he played rook f seven. ताकि वो rook just acts as a defender. You don't have queen g six. You don't have queen h seven.

Hi, there is a crazy move here.

Can I show it to you? I'm I'm I'm already so scared about this position. What what is it?

It's Bishop takes pawn because if rook takes bishop check and it's already game overtime. Rook is hanging, rook पीछे गया and then somehow this position. Oh bishop h3 maybe ya and rook f1.

Wow! What a find!

What a find! Hi engines are too strong these days.

Win is a win. भाई आपने bishop h3 is just too good. Do you think Anish will find this?

Anish killed ya by e5 on the board, rook g7. If Anish plays bishop takes g5, Sahaj bhai has just agreed to do ten push-ups.

आपने just like दो और डाल, दो sack आए g5 पे यार तो like you have to really give it to Anish if he finds like such great chess.

Agreed, agreed, agreed, agreed. Playing well guys. We are sticking to this game a lot more than the others because this really is a special game. आज का ये जो game हो रहा है It's not common to see that, but let me show you another game where the Alpine APL pipers are doing well. That's board six. Volodar Murzin जो है, he is trying to put a lot of pressure on Dhaneshwar Bardia. You can see his knights, bishop, सब कुछ आगे बढ़ रहा है, whereas black थोड़ा सा cramped दिख रहा है यार.

Also those double pawns on the c-file. डबल बिशप्स कहते हैं कि एक बहुत अच्छी चीज़ होती है जब सेंटर ओपन होता है अब यहाँ पे सेंटर सेंटर इस कंपलीटली क्लोज्ड है ओपन होने के चांसेस ही नहीं हैं यहाँ पे तो एंड ब्लैक हैज़ टू गो रुकिएट आई थिंक दैट्स द ओनली मूव आई थिंक ही जस्ट प्लेयरेड एंड लुक एट दिस एफ और क्वीन जी Are rising up to the occasion.

They are like second half has begun. Hampi, Vidit are doing well. I think Volodar says I have to strike and then we see Anish says he has to strike.

Shall we look at what Divya is doing?

Absolutely, because Divya I think has is a bit low on the clock and position-wise I think थोड़ा pressure तो है Divya के ऊपर because Divya's if we can get Divya on the screen and Harika don't you think Divya's king on E1 is a bit weak here and oh by the way she's a Piece up. Yeah, yeah, she is a piece. Can you see where the sacrifice happened?

Absolutely. I think कुछ we were on that Scotch type की position.

Yes. And Harika here takes, takes. And Harika now after f4, she took the pawn in the center. In fact, there was a better move here and black would have gotten a big advantage. It is a tough move to play. Oh, and if e5? E5 bishop here. And take को somehow ऐसा खेलना था। It's very tough to play for a human being.

मतलब sack करना था, but दूसरे तरीके से sack करना था essentially. Yes. Knight takes e4 seems quite good as well. Yeah.

So what Harika essentially is saying is I'm going to get back my piece here, but Divya blocks and c5, Knight f3. This is the live board position and यहाँ पर Harika is attacking, but guys. I need to show you something. If we can go to the Anish versus Pranesh board, there is a double exclamation mark move, man.

Standing ovation देना चाहिए भाई अनिश गिरी को। Absolutely. दो sacrifice करे G5 पर दोनों brilliances. Anish is just absolutely dominating.

कोई chance ही नहीं। Give this man the player of the match already. Yeah yeah yeah.

I mean fully deserved भाई। अब उसे उसके साथ साथ 10 push-ups और also On the cards, by the way, he has taken Rook g5. Yes, time भी एकदम बराबर है, तो I think I think that tricky part of Pranesh, you know, he needs his opponent to have a bit less time. Yeah, that's where the tricky things can happen. वही वो Gukesh के साथ how he won. Correct. Time was a huge factor there as well.

But but you know, Sayaj, by what is very picturesque is that these three pieces on this side are absolutely not taking part. Yeah, that is the big problem for Pranesh. And यही चीज़, guys, आप अपनी जिंदगी में भी देखना, are there things that you are not utilizing? You know, sometimes some resources are just lying down, whether it's in a company or अपने wardrobe में। And Anish is like, why? I will make use of every single resource I have.

Queen is here, rook is here, यहाँ तक king का भी इस्तेमाल किया उन्होंने। बिल्कुल। And then अब तो check check check and maybe not queen h8 check now but just bishop h3 हमने देखा था rook f1 का के थ्रेड के साथ, and I think you are about to lose your queen, or you have to play king e8, जिसके बाद रुक f1 तो आई रहा है। Yeah, and by the way we have a result, we have a result with it.

Gujarati on board three has drawn his game against Shakriyar Mamedyarovich. I must say from the match perspective is a good result for the Alpine APL Pipers.

Extremely solid and of course position wise क्या ही कर सकते थे आप इस position में एकदम symmetrical drawish सी position थी। And yes, I think a very good decision considering on the other boards. Let's say, of course, Anish is absolutely dominating. Then against Volodar as well is having a great attack against Bardia as well. So you know, making a draw I think is a very good result. Hi!

While we have been praising the Alpine APL pipers, Harika Ka Tarika has started to work. Let's get there. Harika is now getting a small edge in this position. Divya went Queen C two. Harika took, took, took here. Queens got traded, and at this position Divya put her bishop. Pawn push by Harika, and now this last move wasn't the best as Harika starts to press. ये knight कैसे इधर in the enemy camp है?

बिल्कुल, and I think वो b3 उसने इसलिए खेला Divya ने because she wanted to go long castle. ताकि नाइट ट्रैप हो जाए। Got it. But I think black can also play a four और रुक रुक को आप d file पे डबल भी कर सकते हो, because एक तीसरा पीस d two के नाइट पे अटैक नहीं कर सकता है। तो let's say अगर अब मैं लॉन्ग कासल करूँ, तो पॉन टेक्स पॉन एंड आई एम क्वीनिंग हियर, so you take and then you lose this pawn.

Hundred percent.

And if I go रुक टेक्स d two, then क्या हो रहा है?

रुक टेक्स d two, रुक टेक्स d two, शेक आ गया दोस्तों। अरे, and यहाँ पर if you go up, I play pawn to c four सहज भाई with this very interesting ladder like formation। भाई आज क्या games हो रहे हैं ना? Wow ready! Two nice games. I mean I'm enjoying as a chess player today.

Absolutely. I mean this another one. I mean Anish giving two you know piece sacrifices.

अभी हरिका ने भी एक piece sack किया। एक और आने वाला है। भाई आज क्या ये theme of today's match is that positional players become aggressive players? Exactly. विदित कहाँ है? विदित भाई से, विदित बोला भाई draw कर रहा हूँ। But Harika is known for her positional chess, so is Anish and they both are going wild today.

Absolutely agreed.

तो सागर भाई as of course they are thinking let's maybe switch to Magnus versus MVL to see क्या चल रहा है वहाँ पे because I see हल्का सा एडवांटेज फॉर द गोट ऑफ चेस। यस, एंड मैग्नस कार्लसन विल बी वांटिंग तू काइंड ऑफ स्कोर अ वेरी स्मूथ विन। उन्होंने अभी तक ऐसे एक भी गेम में ही हैज़ नॉट वॉन अ गेम वेरी स्मूथली, राइट? हम्म। लाइक ही बीट विशी, बट दैट वाज़ ऑन टाइम। तो फ्लैग किया था ना?

हाँ, I mean he has a good position overall. He has a better pawn structure in contrast. Black के पास तीन pawn islands हैं, white के पास दो हैं। And अगर हम pieces को individually compare करें, तो I think white के pieces maybe are slightly better placed. That bishop on d4, knight on a5 like you highlighted. By the way he has played d5, pawn takes pawn. हम endgame की तरफ, well बहुत सारे pieces trade हो रहे हैं। अभी endgame नहीं आया है, but I think हम endgame की तरफ जा रहे हैं, जहाँ पे Magnus just becomes more and more stronger. You can see a very Magnus type position. सब कुछ एकदम symmetrical, बस वो e6 का pawn isolated है। अब Magnus उसपे खेलेगा भी दो घंटे। Right, ये ये pawn को पीछे रख दो f7 पे and it's a draw.

But यहाँ पर रख दिया तो थोड़ा black king is weak, e6 pawn is weak.

a6 also maybe is a bit of a target. एक principle of two weaknesses कहते हैं मतलब you can play queen e2 and एक तिरछी नजर a6 पे, एक एक सीधी नजर e6 पे you can put some pressure here.

Guys this is These are the kinds of positions that Magnus has won in his career and made a name for himself. As you know, some call him the Mozart of chess, some call him the Goat of chess, some call him the endgame virtuoso. तो यही सब positions को convert करते-करते and आज अगर वो करते हैं, then I think it's a very nice position because MVL is a world-class opponent. Position is equal almost. यहाँ से can he weave his magic?

No, we have seen him do this so many times, Sagar bhai. Even at EWC we saw this, you know, that four versus three वाला जो endgame था। He just simple endgame में लेके जाता है, waits for those mistakes like it just happened by the way.

Has happened. And wow, what a move by Magnus! He defends the knight and the pawn is attacked. And you know, Sahaj bhai, I just got an information today that Magnus was at the golf course at six a.m. in the morning today. And was playing golf for almost six seven hours, it seems before this game.

Oh wow! And यही ये सिर्फ Magnus ही कर सकता है। ये सिर्फ Magnus ही कर सकता है। Because four five hours. But still that is so impressive. Five hours six hours.

मैं तो छः बजे से कराटे ले रहा था। I was snoring in my bed and here is the goat who is you know playing a tournament and is kind of I think just physical जो exercise है tires some people out, but for Magnus it energizes him.

Hundred percent, and you can see the energy on the board itself. I mean, basically no chance for MVL to you know score a win more or less, and only Magnus can win.

Yeah, correct. So okay, guys, we need the six boards now because we want to give you an idea of what is happening in this matchup. छह board अगर हम लेके आ सकते हैं Then we will tell you that at this point, the Alpine APL Pipers are firmly, you know, ahead. Board one पे Magnus better. Board two पे Anish crushing it. He has played that move Bishop H3. I think very soon Pranesh may resign. Board three draw. Board four is where the big hope of the Czech Mumbai Masters lie because Harika is winning. Board five पे it's around equal but Hampi is slightly better. She's going to win a pawn. Which means that Alpine again pushing there, and board six पे Volodar is almost winning. I mean, he's winning that game.

Almost winning. Yeah, you I think you sum you summed it up quite nicely. But Sagar bhai, I just wanna say game two जो हम Anish versus Pranesh की बात कर रहे हैं, आप Anish का time देखो। चलो जाते हैं वहाँ पे। Let's go let's go to board two.

Are you seeing? Are you seeing a turnaround here?

जो tricky जो Pranesh का जो जो एस्पेक्ट है ना, वो यहाँ से शुरू होता है मेरे साथ। भाई यार शुरू ये तो अंत का टाइम है यू आर सेइंग। सबको लगता है ये, but trust me I have lost enough games to Pranesh to know that यहाँ से वो शुरू करता है अपना गेम। वो वो क्या है?

What's the dialogue तुम तुम्हारी जहाँ से?

तुम जहाँ पे पढ़े हो वहाँ के प्रिंसिपल रह चुके हैं। But I'm telling you I have lost enough games to Pranesh in this exact way to know कि यहाँ पे यहाँ पे कुछ ना कुछ तो चल रहा है, but I think Maybe Anish has Rook f3 and Rook f1. एक एक सेकंड, is Anish down a piece again?

Yes, Anish is down a piece. But I is ahead many pieces. आप देखो ये तीनों पीस अंदर है. And as you rightly beautifully pointed, Rook f3 and Rook f1 is simply going to end the game with a checkmate. भाई, I think Rook g1 is even more dangerous. Rook g1 किस To trap the queen.

Yes, because top queen h two per rook g two na. अच्छा। That's even more dangerous in this position.

This is not. This is not. I don't think that Pranesh is going to make a comeback here. Yeah. Anish has three minutes. He's doing well. But can we look at Divya Deshmukh and Harika? Because ये वाले game में if you see, Harika has done exactly what we analyzed, Sahaj bhai. She gave up her piece. And created this ladder pawns. Oh wow! So well played.

Also, Anish with the with he sacrificed two pieces and Harika also sacrificed two pieces. Yeah, like lovely different. And dono jiter hai bhai. What a? So we already have players of the match decided.

If Czech Mumba Masters win, then Harika. If Alpine APL Pipers win, then Anish. But right now it seems that the Alpine Apl Pipers are going to win this one unless some miracle happens on one of the boards. कई और एक miracle होना पड़ेगा. Carissa Yip will have to turn it around for her team.

No, भाई. It looks very tough because also Magnus seems to be now very close to winning on on the icon board and this is on top of the prodigy board जो Volodar का game हम देख रहे थे and of course Anish का game तुम follow कर ही रहे हैं. So that's three different boards that they are Just completely winning. Correct, correct. So they would have to win three games then. एक तो already draw हो ही चुका है, so I think it looks unlikely.

Very unlikely क्योंकि Conero Hampi की भी position is very risk-free at that point. Should we check Magnus and MVL? क्योंकि Magnus ने फिर से अपना जादू चला दिया है दोस्तों. He has gone knight d7 attacking the queen. And the pawn on E6 is hanging. And MVL, who is like an incredible player, is thinking to himself, "Where did I go wrong?" That's a good question.

I think that where he went wrong was maybe he pushed H5, and you know he went into. He made one move which was not maybe the best. And now oh wow! He takes on E6, and now queen takes queen के बाद रुक टेक्स क्वीन एंड G6 के पॉन पे प्रेशर A6 के पॉन पे प्रेशर. Oh my god! And this is just over. I believe this. This could be the first smooth win, yeah, for the goat of chess. Let's go.

This makes Alpine even more strong. You know, with Magnus in form, that's what the team was waiting for. And you can see MVL's expression there.

He knows that. अब तो Magnus हर रोज़ जाएगा पांच घंटे golf खेलने, right? Because this has worked out so well for him.

Yeah, I think the most important thing for any player is to go to a game in good spirits, and that is exactly what is happening. And Resignation here for MVL because in the end there was a knight four coming on C six. यहाँ पर दोनों रुक के ऊपर अटैक आ रहा था after this check. So resignation and four one is the score for the Alpine APL Pipers.

Wow! The first win and very convincing one at that. It felt like you know MVL just made those small tiny errors and Magnus just kept you know capitalizing on them. And now we are in the well, it potentially the player of the match after Rook G1.

And you were right. This is exactly what has happened. Rook G1, Queen H2, and Rook G2. Sayaj bhai, lovely bit of analysis here. I have to give it to you. You've played so well. I mean, you analyzed this so well. Queen is trapped. I mean, and I think Pranesh, you can see him that. वो चला गया उनके अंदर का जो एक कंपटिटिव लुक रहता है ना, he's now given up almost there. He's about to resign. He's looking here and there. He goes rook h7, queen g5 check, queen d8 and resigns. Anish scores a win. Board one, board two, दोनों domination. Let's head over to board six because we are expecting More stuff, good stuff happening for the Alpine APL Pipers here. Completely dominating position for Volodar Murzin against Dhaneshwar Bhardia. Absolutely.

But, and I think we have— we also have a draw on board 5 between Hampiji and Karissa Yip. I think another solid, uh, result for the Alpine APL Pipers.

And I think with that, we have 2 boards remaining. Maybe we can get the 2-board view. Where we have Divya and Harika, and Volodar and Dhaneshwar Bardia. And by the way, the scoreline currently stands eight-two in the favor. The only way in which the Czech Mumbai Masters can win is Dhaneshwar has to win, and also Divya. Sorry, Harika.

Harika would have to defeat Divya. I think Harika is in a good position in comparison. I think, I think Harika versus Divya is more closer, but at the same time, Murzin versus Bardia seems very unlikely that it will go.

I don't think Bardia can win this, and even if Murzin gets a draw, he's the APL pipers have won 100%.

But I think there is no chance he even takes a draw here. He's already a pawn up. Correct. Second pawn भी मरने वाला है। दो मिनट एक्स्ट्रा भी हैं उसके पास। I think this looks very. Oh, by the way, look at that move. Rook c two. What a nice find by Harika. And if you go rook takes rook, then pawn takes rook, and then वो एक pawn h file से बढ़ रहा है, एक pawn यहाँ से बढ़ रहा है। क्या-क्या बचाओगे?

Hi. Takes rook, pawn takes king d two.

Then pawn takes pawn king e six. मतलब मतलब it's like floating squares वाला principle. दोनों sides पे you can just start pushing pawns and Bishop will be a bit overloaded, I think, in in this scenario. And also, let's not forget Divya only has nine seconds on the clock. Correct. So she is under a lot of pressure on you know. Oh, look at that, by that pawn structure is fantastic.

No, that that b five c five c four b three ऐसे कभी doubled pawn जितना आगे देखने को नहीं मिलते हैं। Meanwhile, guys, on the left of your screen, you will see that there's absolutely no chance for Dhaneshwar Bardia to win that game. Which is why this match doesn't feel like you know even though it's such an edge of the seat action because Harika is going to win and we have only one game and the score will be so close. Murzin has been dominating from the opening. यही problem है उन्होंने इतना अच्छा खेला है यहाँ पर आज वोलोडार मुरजिन ने hundred percent.

I think out of all the players maybe Divya is the only one who would not be happy because you know I believe Harika also won their previous encounter as well. Yes, but actually Harika is playing so well. Yeah, hundred percent.

Hey, she might well be the fighting for the player of the tournament.

By the way, the match has just ended. Divya has resigned and Harika you know gives the Czech Mumbai Masters a very very crucial point that they needed. But maybe it's a bit too late because the last team match बचा है जहाँ पे दानेश्वर को जीतना है and he's two pawns down.

Hey, is there a chance of a miracle, Sajj bhai? दो pawn down है कोई miracle हो सकता है या It's too much.

But भाई या तो clock up reverse कर दो you know उसको आप एक minute maybe then it's possible two pawns up two minutes up I mean yeah that's I think that's a that's a very big obstacle.

I think the only way in which something could work for black is if I go and play with white pieces.

No bye no bye you are underestimating yourself but you will win this hundred percent.

King comes up rook a eight well Dhaneshwar has to fight on good or bad. He needs to win for his team. A draw is not enough. Eight six is the score. Check Mumbai Masters. The player on the right of your screen must win while Volodar Murzin. Well, for draw will also give his team the victory.

Hundred percent Bishop E eight and उसने Pawn A four को attack करने की कोशिश करी Knight B five से उन्होंने बचा लिया and now Rook takes Pawn के बाद Knight takes Pawn मर रहा है Bishop takes Knight के बाद Pawn takes Bishop मर रहा है कुछ खेलने कोई नहीं है इस पोजीशन में। I mean, this is a moment where you resign, but I think Danish is still playing.

Oh no, you can't resign, bye.

But he's still playing, yeah, because team के लिए it's very important. But if it was an individual thing, I think it's very close to be like a resignation position. Or two points down.

Yeah, I mean clearly also White's king better placed. सब कुछ सुंदर है। Would you say, Sajid bhai, a very dominating performance by the Alpine APL Pipers today?

Hundred percent. I think on any match if board one and board two both win, It's a it's a dominating performance because then you're proving something and this was their first white. Yeah, first first time they're playing with the white pieces and now they're showing essentially.

भाई वो तो white से ऐसा खेलेंगे तो फिर किसको chance नहीं है?

Black से इतना अच्छा खेल रहे थे ना तभी डर लग रहा था कि वो white से क्या मतलब क्या ही कर सकते हैं?

True true and today Anish has won which means that guys we will have a small dessert for you after our main course that is the match which is Sahaj bhai's ten push-ups.

तो मैच के बीच में यहाँ पे करता हूँ मैं आप आप कमेंट्री करना मैं यहाँ पे पुशअप्स करता हूँ। Everyone's now looking forward to that, Saj Bhai.

I think we are going to have everyone sitting in the auditorium. Yeah, everyone sitting.

Definitely Anish याद है? And now Bishop e8 is played. Yeah, but this is so simple. Pawn भी आप push कर सकते हो d5 पे। You can also go Knight e4. So many different options. I mean and I I like the fact कि Murzen is playing so controlled. Like he's been Winning for I believe like ten moves at least. Yeah, more than that. But look at that how controlled he's playing. A king ko ap ap center mein leke ao, pawn ko bachao, push d5. Like everything is defended really well in this position.

Very good. Very good. I think Murzin also finding his form back is superb, superb.

Hmm.

And there you see now final 27 seconds for Dhaneshwar. And Murzin just bringing all his pieces together. That's what Sahaj bhai said, you know, like how he calmly is just moving ahead. Exactly. And resignation there. Well, Dhaneshwar resigns and the Alpine APL Pipers have won the match with a score of 11-6. And look at Magnus there clapping his hand. Vidit is happy, uh, Humpy is happy, and in the crowd all the Alpine APL Pipers Fans are happy. I think for the Czech Mumbai Masters, well, there wasn't a chance in this match. So maybe they don't have much to be sad about because you know sometimes you are winning the match and then you lose. It feels bad. But today it was domination. It was very smooth.

I would say from the Alpine APL Pipers. I mean they are proving to be a very very strong team. They're proving that you know they are one of the best here, if not the best. But पहले पांच राउंड They just played with the black pieces. The first time they play with the white pieces, they just dominate across all boards. I mean, this this team is looking extremely scary to me now.

Absolutely, and you could see the Czech Mumbai Masters dug out. थोड़े से तो दुखी बैठे थे, सहमे सहमे से थे. That happens. They have to play another match today if I'm not mistaken. Absolutely. So they will need to get their act together. On the other hand, look at this Magnus smiling, Humpy smiling. प्रवीण तिप्से इस सो हैप्पी ही लाइक सेइंग टू वोलोडार मैन यू प्लेड रियली वेल आई गेस द ओनली प्लेयर हु नीड्स टू फाइंड हर फॉर्म इन दिस टीम इस दिव्या देशमुख एंड देन द अल्पाइन एपीएल पाइपर्स विल बी अनबीटेबल आई मीन आई एब्सोल्युटली एब्सोल्युटली एंड लेट्स गो टू द आर्बिटर The Alpine APL Pipers won the match with 11 to 6 for Czech Mamba Masters. A big round of applause, please.

Can I invite the team captains to sign the results? Meanwhile, I would like to invite you for the next match.

Which will start at 5 PM this afternoon. Thank you so much. And there we have the team captain signing the score sheet here, uh, the, the point sheet as they say. And Magnus has some flowers in his hands, uh, and it's nice to see Divya smiling there. Oh, Murzin smiling. Kogi, who's the manager of the team, he's happy there. What a team! You know when you win together as a team, एक मूड ही अलग बन जाता है टीम के अंदर.

Absolutely. Mood तो अच्छा मतलब I'm very happy for the team but you know based on recent events मुझे 110 out of 10 अच्छा नहीं लग रहा है. Let me just let me just put it like that. That will happen for sure. When you are doing commentary मैं आ जाऊँगा पीछे यहाँ पे इसी इसी जगह पे and I'll deliver for sure 100% 100%.

Man of his word, man of his word will do the 10 push-ups. Anish Giri, man, you deserve everything today for the way you played. I think he was the one who created that inroads for the Alpine APL Pipers with his amazing play.

I think उसका game देखके ही लोगों को ऐसा motivation आ गया होगा because Magnus बोला रहेगा oh Anish क्या kill रहा है G4 I mean we have to appreciate what G4 was I mean it's very not it's not very Anish like yeah because Anish बहुत controlled ऐसे Positional खेलता है, like you mentioned a bit earlier. So it felt like there was a different Anish that showed up today, and maybe that took Pranesh by surprise, you know, more or less. And there we see the goat, you know, signing some autographs. Of course, he is very, very happy. His first smooth win of this entire event of the Tech Mahindra Global Chess League. You know, of course, इसके बाद तो you know you'll sign. You'll be so happy overall.

वही क्या ही गेम खेला। Today I think Magnus, it's the best opportunity for you to get you know a selfie with Magnus and autograph. You can see him also not rushing it. हर एक जन को he's giving that time and today a beautiful day. They don't even have to play another game. So the Alpine APL Pipers can relax now. They are on the top of the table. They are doing well. Do you think Magnus goes again for a round of golf?

भाई हर रोज़ अब तो हर रोज़ जाओ। अब जाओ आपको और शाम को भाई। Maybe maybe he should yeah maybe he should because I just feel that you know they are in such a good position because not only are at they are at the top of the leaderboard they are gonna be playing white on every single round now. Right. भाई they have I mean so so Sagar भाई is it too early to say that they have a Very good chance of making it to the finals.

I think they are one of the favorites. Yeah, one of the teams out of the two would be them. These are the highlights that we are seeing. Shakriyar Mamedyarov, I think, today had to fire. You know, he couldn't do that. He made a quick draw. I mean, draw with black against Vidit is not a bad result at all. And by the way, the introduction of Vidit was perhaps one of the highlights there. Best vibe coder amongst chess players. And we had GoofyGenChess who came and made the opening move, pawn to a3. Magnus shining today in Bengaluru, his first smooth win of the tournament.

You know, we can ask this question to the chat. Let's see if they were paying attention, guys. GoofyGen, what was the move that he played on, on, on Magnus's board? Let's see how many of you are actually paying attention to The chess, you know, part there. Right. So drop it in the chat.

Let's see who gets it right. And there you see MVL just making that move H5, which weakened his position. Magnus won. Volodar Murzin won. Anish Giri won. And this final check. MVL resigned. Magnus scored a win. And truly, for the Upgrad Mumbai Masters, there was one thing to cheer about, and that was Harikar. Victory and her incredible play. She definitely played so well.

Absolutely, and I think overall also she is doing incredibly well. She has not lost a single game. She has defeated Divya twice. Yeah, she has also taken down Zujiner as well in this tournament. So I think a wonderful tournament for Harika so far. We are seeing a resurgent Harika.

She won recently the Asian Rapid and Blitz. Both the tournaments, so she's doing incredible, incredibly well. Let's have a look at the match summary. You will see three faces from the Alpine APL Pipers and only one from the Czech Mumba Masters. This is the reason why the scoreline reads eleven six. Tough day for the Czech Mumba Masters team. We will have soon the man of the match, you know, the player of the match, and we will also. See the entire Alpine APL team come in the fan zone. I think the fans will be thrilled. Let's have a look at the overall rankings and standings, Saj Bhai. What are your thoughts here?

So once again, I think Alpine APL Pipers are leading the charge. They they of course now have the same amount of matches as you know, or majority of the teams barring Triveni Continental Kings and the Ganges Grandmasters. But they are leading. They are leading in match points. They are leading in game points. They are leading pretty much everywhere. And they have 4 whites incoming, you know, for the last remaining round. So it just feels like they are just leading everywhere. And check, Mumbai Masters are on second place.

In spite of the loss, they remain on second position ahead of Fyers American Gambits who have already played 6 games. Wow. So 6 matches. So I think this is great. Thing for Czech Mumba Masters. They can still make a comeback. It's time for us to go to the player of the match presentation ceremony.

What a dominating victory this for the Alpine APL Pipers in their first game with the white pieces. And if that's the start, probably they are nothing short of favorites for the finals this year in season 4 of the Tech Mahindra Global Chess League. Without further ado, let's call upon The team APL Alpine Pipers. Alpine APL Pipers, the team right next to me. Magnus, I have to start with you. Y'all are favorites probably to go to the finals, win it probably this year as well. But let's talk about you being a favorite with the Indian crowd because they have come in massive numbers just to see you, watch you play, and just to support you?

Um, yeah, it's, it's always, uh, always nice to see.

It's a big reason, of course, for me to, um, to come to India because there's so much enthusiasm for, uh, for chess here. And yeah, it's always nice when we're— our names are being called, um, before the round. There's an extra cheer for our team, and I think all of us really appreciate that.

You know, you got those flowers The fan that gave you those flowers, she's waiting for you since yesterday. And she came back again today because somebody promised her that they're going to make you meet her.

Yeah.

Yeah, I hope she's happy with that now.

I'm sure. Congratulations on today's win. Vidit, you like that introduction today?

Yeah, I mean, I was surprised. Yeah. Very inspired draw after that. Do you know who suggested it?

No. The man right next to you and Sagar Shah. Self-sabotage, yeah, in the team. All right, let's move on to the Player of the Match Award, which is being given by Mr. Suresh Shashidharan Pillai, celebrity chef. And the award goes to Anish Giri. Thank you. Anish, you looked like a completely different player today. What were those moves? Such controlled play.

Well, I mean, he really provoked, really provoked me. And this sort of attacking plan is something that Magnus played against me many years ago, and he beat me there. And in today's game, he provoked the weakness, you know, first, and my opponent made the weakness himself. it was basically the same thing, but just much easier.

That's why sometimes your painful experience can help you, you know, in future battles.

You learn from the past. Yeah, but complete domination today on board 1 as well as board 2. Now that y'all are going to play all whites, this is a great start for the team. Yeah.

Well, it's looking good, but we should never celebrate too early. I think this format is really interesting, especially because there's no easy round. Every match is a big, big struggle.

So I think it's early to celebrate, but definitely looking good at this moment.

Any reply to the self-sabotage comment?

No, I really—

I mean, it was easy to suggest, you know, all kinds of ridiculous introductions, but it really takes courage to pull it through and, you know, put yourself on the line out there. And I hope the crowd appreciated it as well.

Instagram is definitely going to appreciate it because we already have a lot of memes coming in with the player introductions. this is going to be the next one, probably.

Yes, and hopefully there is more to come, and Vidit won't be the only one with the introduction like such.

Thank you so much for joining us. Congratulations on that win. Thank you so much to Alpine APL Piper securing their first win with the white pieces. That is it from the presentation ceremony. Back to you, casters.

That was an amazing, uh, presentation ceremony with Anish in You know, humorous style talking about his game, and then Magnus also talking about why he loves coming to India. Or fair, मतलब you know that Vidit saying about self self sabotaging. And look at this who we have behind us in this area. It's the team, and Anish playing incredibly well there. Anish Giri just passed us from behind, and well, he deserves to be there. And absolutely the entire team of Alpine APL Pipers, it's wonderful to see them. And, uh, we have Vidit who is here, but Anish, well, you need to be bowed down to. What an amazing game he's played today. Fantastic chess and Alpine APL Pipers. Wonderful, wonderful. It's time for us to go on a short break and we'll be back with the next encounter.

जब एक इंडियन के हाथ में पावर आता है, वो एक कामयाब लीग कैप्टन बन जाता है। सोजो। जब हर इंडियन के हाथ में पावर इंडिया और कितना कामयाब हो जाएगा। इसलिए योनो देता है हर इंडियन के हाथ में पावर, the all new योनो, power to every Indian.

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अरे सुनना, एक ब्रेक ले लेते हैं। Guys I'm telling you, तुमलोगों सही से ट्रैकिंग नहीं आती। But that's okay, you can learn. रोज़ का ढक्कन देना। हम्म। फिर ये red वाला है, सही वाला देना। मैं ढक्कन?

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पर हम भी जिद्दी हैं। तीस से ज़्यादा क्वालिटी चेक्स, विटामिन ए और विटामिन डी से युक्त और खाना भी बने स्वादिष्ट। खाने में समझौता नहीं, अच्छा खाना शुरुआत से ही। इंडिपेंडेंस। जब एक इंडियन के हाथ में पावर आता है, हाईएस्ट सेंचुरीज़ का रिकॉर्ड टूट जाता है। जब हर इंडियन के हाथ में पावर आएगा, सोचो इंडिया और कितने रिकॉर्ड तोड़ेगा?

इसलिए योनो देता है हर इंडियन के हाथ में पावर। The all new योनो power to every Indian.

S League Day Five right here. क्या ही scenes थे? You know the Alpine Pipers crushing it with eleven to six could have been an even bigger margin. But Sagar, all of us in black. Maybe it's gonna be a day for the black pieces then.

No, but clearly not. Clearly not.

Well now it needs to turn around if black has to prove a point with that extra premium. But you know what was so special was to have the teams right here. Saying hello to our chat, waving to them. A very happy Anish Giri.

I got a chance to bow down to Anish after such a game he played. You know, it's it was nice. And do you?

I was watching you guys. Yeah. Super thrilling commentary. Super thrilling games. Anish, the absolute deserving winner of player of the match in that one. It's always difficult, but I think this one belonged to him.

I think उसको दो देने चाहिए. I think we should have given him two like trophies for that because he gave two incredible sacrifices. Which were I mean maybe it's easy for someone on his level, but it's definitely not easy in this format. Right. To like to to sack and just like play for initiative and just because because you can't calculate everything in just you have to feel it. And I think for Anish this was very very impressive and to beat Pranesh like that itself is also very impressive. So for sure fully fully deserved.

And this is what we've got on the agenda next. Fully deserved who will be deserving of a victory in this one for the Ganges Grandmasters? They take on the Triveni Continental Kings to. 2 very different narratives here. The team in yellow wants to join the Pipers in the lead with a win. The team in pink, the Triveni Continental Kings, after first 3 losses, have had 2 straight wins. Can they make a strong case and be the comeback kid today?

You know, one thing I'll say is that, you know, Pranav, buddy Pranav, just needs to keep more than 3 seconds on the clock.

Against Leon.

Against Leon, yes. That's the key. In this, in in this scenario, so as long as he does that, it will be amazing. So let's jump to the pairings as we have it in front of us. We have got on the icon board Nepomniachtchi going against Alireza Firouzja. Then we have Levon Aronian going against Wei Yi. Then Leinier Dominguez versus Arvind Chitambaram.

And then we have Polina Shualova against Zuzhinar. Stavrula Solakidou against Alexandra Kosteniuk and Leon Mendonça versus Pranav V. Tanya, where are your eyes going?

You know, often at the Global Chess League, you've got the icon board that steals all the eyeballs and the spotlight, and I think Jan Nepomniachtchi versus Alireza will be an absolute banger of a match there. Their style of play, their speed that they bring on. But I want to highlight for Triveni Continental King, I think their hottest route to that comeback third straight win Would be the board you earlier highlighted of the prodigy board Pranav as well as Arvind Chidambaram, both from exceptional performances yesterday. That's where they are looking at, and I want to throw this to you now for the Ganges Grandmasters. If I'm highlighting those two star players for the Triveni Continental Kings, where are the points for the Ganges?

I think Lanier Dominguez came back in good shape after his win against Yas Khan Erdogmus yesterday. So I have a feeling that Leinier Dominguez is someone who can kind of beat Arvind today as well. Um, Levon Aronian is also someone who I think is in great shape. Well, let's see what happens here. It's time for us right now to go to the piece swap and see which team is going to get the white pieces.

The Ganges Grandmasters are on a run. They have the momentum on their side, but The Trivani Continental Kings are back in action, and they will be hungry for revenge after the last time these two teams faced each other. Without further ado, let's call upon the tournament director, Mr. Bharat Singh, for the coin toss, which now is the color swap. All right, now let's call upon the coaches of the two teams. We have Adiban Bhaskaran for the Grandmasters and Luke Van Vele for the Kings. Heads and tails is out of question now. Okay, let's have the color swap. White goes to the Kings, black to the Ganjis. Grandmasters, now with a white, with the winning momentum on your side, Tell me, how are you all looking going into this clash?

Well, of course, we still have to take revenge for the loss. But, you know, still our tournament situation is not very good. But considering where we're coming from, it's very good.

Well, Polina is on a run. It looks like she is on a heist every time she comes on stage and sits in front of that board. How do you stop her?

Well, you know, We're supposed to—

we have Zou Jiner, you know, she's like number 3 in the world, you know. I think till now she underperformed and it's time for her, you know, really to step it up. And I think in the second half, you know, it's about time.

You know, just like the Kings made a comeback at the correct moment and finally are on a run, probably Zou Jiner, today is the day for her that she makes hers.

Well, it's still a team effort, you know, I don't care How we win, you know, as long as we win. And I keep on saying, you know, also to Sujino, you know, well, we lose together, you know, we win together. And well, I don't care, you know, who's making the points.

We have Aravind and Pranav who are actually doing pretty well, you know.

So altogether, you know, if, if we beat them, it's fine with me.

All right. All the best for today's game. Thank you. अधिवान, do you care how you win or you also don't care as long as the win is coming your way?

Yeah, I think I would love to win in a way where it's there are not so many controversies. Clear victory, yeah, would be nice. So looking forward to that actually.

After the last game that you played, I'm sure you have to say this. Did you all do something special so that all that doesn't happen in this game?

Yeah, just I think Like, we started off well, but then there were some hiccups, and now I think we are back on track. So I think everything will go well.

And I'm sure that golf session in the morning helped because I saw you all over social media.

Yeah, I mean, Divya was trolling me so much that finally I thought I have to get at least one shot in, and I got it. So I think already luck is on my side.

All right, the day started with luck. Hope it continues. All the best for today's game. Yeah, thank you. That is it from the color swap. The Triveni Continental Kings will play white while the Ganges Grandmasters play black.

Back to the casters. Thank you, Arohi. And I have to say, I think the Ganges Grandmasters, I think उनको थोड़ा बहुत तो luck लगेगा ही in their previous meeting just earlier this last week. The Ganges, they won their match against the Triveni Continental Kings with a razor-thin margin of 10-9. Yeah, very—

it was very, very small margin there. And today, I have a feeling that the slight momentum is on the Triveni Continental Kings' side.

Tell me why you say that.

Yeah, I just get this sense that 2 wins in a row for the Triveni Continental Kings. Their players are looking very sharp. As they said, like, Zhu Jin'er is the only one who's not scored a win yet. Everyone else seems to be firing in the team.

Now, Zhu Jin'er really needs to turn the story around on her board. Last season, she lost 1 game in the pool stage. She's already lost plenty more. In this one, and this is where we stand going into our second match of the day. Alpine Pipers with their win against the Mumbai Masters 11 to 6 have gone on with 12 match points, complete six of their matches, and a really healthy game point score as well for them. Now our next matchup sees the Ganges Grandmasters who are currently sharing nine points alongside the Gambits. Ganges are up against who is at the bottom of the leaderboard right now with only six match points. So Sahaj. One of two things will happen. Either the Ganges Grandmasters will join the Alpine Pipers and have those 12 match points again join them in lead, or Triveni Continental Kings will really stamp their comeback with a third straight win and be totally in the mix for the finals.

Yeah, I think that is possible, but I am with Sagar bhai on this one. I feel momentum is with Triveni more or less, and I think, um, they have a very good chance of Getting out of the bottom of the leaderboard. I feel that the first 2-3 days did not go their way necessarily, but I think momentum is everything and they seem quite confident to me.

I'm going to also quickly point out, Sagar, before I throw this to you, that Triveni Continental Kings actually on game points sit higher than the Ganges Grandmasters.

No, they've played well. It's just that they haven't won their matches. Also very important to note is the board 4 clash in today's encounter. Between Polina Shualova and Zuzina. If this matchup, Polina Shualova, who has been unbeaten and the best player for the Ganges Grandmasters, loses to Zuzina, who has been clearly not in her best form, then it becomes really clear that Triveni Continental Kings will have an upper hand.

Polina has won most of the games. She lost only one game getting to this point so far. And again, Zuzina, it's clear that she is a favorite just given their form currently, as you're pointing out. And I also want to just bring this up, that it's not only inside the arena that is buzzing. These were the scenes earlier here before the action started when we've got the fans waiting for the players to come in. And you saw what happens when the players do walk into the fan zone. You know, you've got these cabins of each of the teams. There's a lot of activity going around. What has been your favorite part of the fan zone so far, Sahaj?

Um, my favorite part of the fan zone are the fans actually, because there are so many, uh, whenever I'm standing outside— no, seriously, whenever I'm standing outside, there are so many fans, you know, coming up and, you know, asking me to play blitz, you know, uh, you know, playing some chess, taking some photos, and, you know, just sharing their enthusiasm about the players, you know, whether it's Magnus, whether it is Firouzja. And I think that's what makes, makes this event so lively.

And so special. Absolutely, absolutely. You know, speaking of making the event lively, I have to say that we're in Bengaluru in India, and every player who walks into the arena, you know, gets this massive cheer from the audience that's there to watch the match. But there is one player where Bengaluru just loses their mind. They go absolutely wild, right? When Magnus Carlsen takes the stage, it is 100 of every single other cheer that happens inside there. It is deafening, right? 100%.

Today he came to the fan zone and people were so excited. I think Magnus was in great spirits. Um, but you know, Tanya, I think Firouzja is also someone who people greatly adore. And Nepo here has been also in great spirits. Have you seen him? Like, Nepo smiling much more than in any other tournament, actually.

I completely second that. You know, usually the players are quite recluse. They don't have those big smiles on their face. But here it just feels like they're so motivated to perform for the teams. They're also having a great time performing for their teams. They're loving the fans, the vibes, the schedule. You know, they've got the golf course right next door. Jan Nepomniachtchi is unbeaten so far in the Global Chess League Season 4. I think he's got reasons to be smiling.

I mean, also there is another very big reason. Firstly, he has defeated the World Championship challenger. And he's also defeated the five-time world champion as well. Right. So I mean that also adds on to the you know you know how he's feeling. And and let's not forget he had a he is perhaps the only player so far who had a completely winning position against Magnus as well. Yes, Magnus did defend that in the rook ending, but still I think that was very very impressive.

Would it be right to say by the way as the Triveni Continental Kings enter in, would it be right to say that Nepo? Is been the best player on the icon board right now in this tournament?

I think there's a very strong case to be made for that. It took him 23 moves to take down Vishy Anand after a one mover blunder. 89 moves of pressing against Magnus Carlsen, unbeaten in the tournament so far, but it's still a long leg to go ahead. At this point, I would second that, Sahaj.

I'm I think there it all comes down to the color because Nepo had four whites and Magnus had four blacks. Oh, sorry, 5 blacks in this, in this sense. So just because of the color, they both have the same amount of points, but I think just based on that, I would choose Magnus.

And Magnus, the one time he got white, right now against Maxime Vachier-Lagrave, does Magnus things. And right behind us, we've got the mascot joining us. Big day for him as well.

Yes, Tiger, the tiger from the Triveni Continental Kings, always dancing, but today seems a bit mellow.

He knows it's a big day, Sagar. They've had two straight wins after three back-to-back losses in the first three rounds, and they want to get that third win. It is essential for this team currently being led there by Chess Queen Alexandra Kostinik. Prana will have to play a big role. Zhu Jin'er, can she bounce back? Well, one player who has bounced back is Wei Yi, and when he finds his form, the rooks are sacrificed. The rooks are sacrificed. The rooks are Picked up. The king is mated. What will happen in this one? Arvind Chidambaram in form. Can Ali Reza find his form today finally against Yannick Pannaché? Oh, 100%.

I think Ali Reza for me. Let's go. Ali Reza is is the one player who I think has a very good chance of you know. Okay, overall. Okay, let's who are you supporting? Are you supporting Triveni or are you supporting Ganges?

I am supporting the Aura of Levon Aronian. Look at him.

So you're being the vessel.

Yeah, right now I just love that way in which they are coming to the game, the Ganges Grandmasters. But on a serious note, uh, Sahaj bhai, I do feel that I am slightly tilted towards— I'm— it's not like I'm supporting, but it's my prediction that slightly tilted towards the Triveni Continental.

And I feel that as well, just a little bit.

And I'll tell you why. It just feels like the names—

Oh, we have Goofy Gen Chess here.

He was there at the golf course as well this morning. Oh, alongside Levon Aronian, alongside Adiban, by the way. Uh, we got some shots in. Let's see if we can get some shots in on the chessboard. But you know, to your point, it just feels the names are the same. 10-9 was the victory for the Ganjis in their last meeting against Triveni Continental Kings. But the math, the momentum, so many storylines have shifted. First, Trivani Continental Kings starts with a different color as they did. They found their momentum. And you know what? At the end of it, we all know when Global Chess League ends, there's one team who always makes it to the finals, and it's the Kings.

That is true.

This time it could be debated, Tanya. I think they are at the bottom of the table still. And look at Levon. He's like, "आऊँगा भाई." I'm going to come whether I win or lose. I'll come and meet you guys and look at Yan Nepomniachtchi.

Yeah, but we all know the you know who who the main player is. You know walking in front Polina Shuvalova who has scored who has basically drawn just one game and and won all all of the remaining ones. But a fun fact for you guys: all the four games that she won were with the white pieces, and the only draw that she made was. with black, and today she plays with black. So maybe some hope, uh, you know, for, uh, uh, for the opposing team there.

Just fantastic. Polina Shivalova has to keep up her form today. I think, Sagar, you've been highlighting her as the big player for the Ganges Grandmasters, and Triveni Continental Kings will try to reverse the current on that board. What are we looking for from Jan versus Alireza? I want to talk a little bit about that matchup. You know, Jan, he's chasing that first place with his team. Alireza Firouzja wants to make a case for that qualifying spot right now. We've got these pairings up. Is there a favorite on paper, or do you think that Alireza, after those 2 straight wins, is actually right up there with Jan's form in this tournament now?

Well, I think if I were asked this question before the start of this event, I would have said Firouzja is the heavy favorite. But at this point, I would say Jan is the slight favorite in their match because he's been playing really well here.

And I think why you're saying that is because in the previous edition of the Tech Mahindra Global Chess League, Firouzja started off with 5 out of 5 on the icon board. He was not— he was basically unstoppable. However, in this edition, he has been a little bit slower. In fact, Alireza is, uh, pretty much winless, I believe.

He's winless. And Zuzhina is winless for the Trivani contest.

Exactly. And, and, and Nepo has already defeated Sindarov and Vishy as well and got, uh, basically a completely winning position against Magnus as well. So he is more in form. Okay, but we'll see. The Tiger is here.

He's back. Yeah, he's back.

He's back with his full josh now. He's dancing away. He's got those moves in on, you know, we saw him a little bit mellow just earlier, but he sees his teammates walking in, right? And that's what gets him going.

Going and you know he's moving his body here. He's doing this, and someone who has to get moving is later in this day. Is our grandmaster next to us? The hedge by who has to do ten push-ups. The hedge by I am remembering this. I'm not letting you off the hook.

I I I promise I will do it by you know by the end of this tournament. अरे अरे अरे! Whenever you say we will find a right moment to do this and and and. It will happen. I will definitely deliver.

I was watching the commentary when all of this was happening. Sahaj, you said it. Chat was witness to it.

If I do it here, how will the chat see?

This match, you'll do it.

Yeah, I'll do it here. No, everyone can see.

Perfect timing. No, I'll do it after the— while you commentate.

You know, I even said Sahaj, a man of his word. No, no, I will.

I will. 100% of his word. He is a man of his word. 100%, I will. Like, by the end of today. How about that, Sagar?

Okay, that's a deal. So there's a lot of entertainment to look forward to. This is our second match of the day. Just a reminder for everyone who might be just joining us right now, we've had Alpine Pipers take down the Mumbai Masters. Currently Alpine Pipers lead the table. Ganji's Grandmasters in this next matchup have a big shot of catching them up. And what do you guys think, you know, when the players are waiting for this entrance? Because now the dynamics have changed. They know exactly which color they're going to be playing with. They can prepare well. They can prepare a lot better. And Sahaj, for me, that felt like this second half is going to be so much about opening preparation as well. I, yeah, 100%.

I think because in terms of opening preparation, I'm seeing a lot of Sicilian from a lot.

Yeah, and we will find out what opening preparations the players do have. Well, one team chases top place, the other looking at their comeback. And Arohi, we are ready to welcome the teams. Let's go!

The Kings are ready. They are hungry for their revenge against the Grandmasters, and the 2 teams will face off against each other in this reverse fixture. That is match number 18. Let's call upon the 2 teams, the Ganges Grandmasters and Triveni Continental Kings. And now for the player introductions. Let's start with the team playing white, the Triveni Continental Kings. On the icon board is the youngest to cross 2800, Ali Reza Firouzja. The youngest to cross 2700, Wei Yi. The silent killer from Chennai, Arvind Chidambaram. Women Grand Prix winner, Zhu Jina. The 12th Women's World Champion, Alexandra Kosteniuk. Former World Junior Champion, Pranav. And their coach, Luke Van Wely. Up against them are the Ganges Grandmasters playing black, starting with the 2-time Candidates winner Ian Nepomniachtchi, former World Rapid and Blitz champion Levon Aronian, former World Blitz champion Linnea Dominguez, winner of I Am Not a GM on Chess.com Polina Shuvalova. Greece number 1, Stavrula Solakidou. Lion of Indian chess, Leon Luke Mendonca. And their coach, Adiban Bhaskaran. It's now time for the handshakes. All the best to the two teams.

And there they are taking their seats. We see some handshakes right there. Yan Nafalnashi, Alireza Firouzja, all smiles for this big battle. Sagar, what is your feeling? What kind of— how many decisive games can we expect? Because it just feels like in the last one or two days. The momentum has picked up so much. We've had matches with all 6 decisive games as well.

I think 6 decisive games today, Tanya. In this one? Yes. I have a feeling that both the teams are hungry for victory. They'll go all out against each other. Let's begin with this first board. This is the game which I really have my eyes on. One player in top shape, the other out of form.

And that means one is a big favourite here. Sagar, in their previous meeting, there were 5 decisive games that did happen. With three wins for the Ganges Grandmasters, their Triveni Continental Kings two wins even though they were the four-pointers, but not enough in the end when they lost ten to nine. But what a closely contested battle that was! As Yu Jinna, is she going to turn her teams and her own fate and destiny around? We've got moves on.

Something happening on board five. Can we go there? Question, Nuke.

The Indian women superstar board has started. They started just a little bit early. Oh, they were supposed to wait a moment, but couldn't wait. Wanted to get to the chess as quickly as possible. It's been a Sicilian already.

They're not going to restart, I think.

I believe not. The positions on the board, they've just— they've not even paused the clocks right now. So the action just goes on.

And guys, you can scan the QR code on your screen and download the Global Chess League app from the App Store. And it is an incredible app. Oh, there we go. Look at that. They are restarting it. Do you think they repeat?

Sagar, we've got the position where it left. Do you think they play the Sicilian and we see this Open Sicilian?

I have a feeling they will, Tanya.

I would be shocked if we see a switch-up. I don't think I've seen that happen. But we will have a restart. The question, you know, we saw that the board was stopped after the Open Sicilian appeared.

Yes.

Will these 2 players just say, let's get it there and let's continue?

That would be an interesting thing if Alexandra suddenly plays 1.d4 instead of 1.e4.

Or Stavrula decides, you know what, I see you want to play the Open Sicilian, so I'll play the King's Pawn Opening now.

Absolutely. And by the way, we are seeing here a few things happening. We see Lennart Ootes, a well-known photographer, there in the background. Pictures are being taken. This is an additional couple of minutes for everyone to get warmed up.

It will be the Women's Superstar Board that will lift off first before we go Around the world, reaching our icon board. One icon is on the table, and is the other one missing? Where is Yan Nepomniachtchi? And maybe that's why the games haven't started yet. Yeah, really? Do you think so?

I mean, I think Yan must be just walking around there. Well, can we have a shot of the entire stage?

Stage that would be nice just to see if Yan is chilling, or maybe it's a. Short break that he's taken, a washroom break. Who knows what's happening? But I haven't seen these scenes at Global Chess League. It's like every day something happens here, something unexpected. Yeah.

Oh, there he is. Jan is just walking around. He's enjoying himself there. I think he loves his team. That's what I know. Like, I get the sense that he enjoys being with Levon. With Lenier, and then also these two girls have been such a revelation, Tanya, Polina, and Stavrula. I think none of them are GMs; they are both IMs, yet they are just performing so well.

For the Ganges Grandmasters, it has been Stavrula and Shivalova. SS for the GGs getting in the big points right now. And there we see, finally, I think we should be ready to go in just a few seconds. There has been a delay, a reset on the Alexandra Kosteniuk board. I just want to talk about, you know, we saw Jan walking around there. Sagar, clock is what I want everyone watching on that Icon board to pay attention on.

Right.

Alireza Firouzja is a beast when it comes to bullet, when it comes to blitz, but I've seen him fall down on the clock in the early stages. By a big margin. And you cannot afford to do that against a player like Jan Nepomniachtchi.

Correct. And that too, a Jan Nepomniachtchi in form and having confidence is a completely different player than a Jan Nepomniachtchi who is out of shape. Because Jan is not that kind of a player. He's a very momentum-driven player. You know the Candidates that he has won. Once he starts off well, he can actually win tournaments. And I have a feeling that this tournament is going to be his sort of, you know, he'll keep winning.

I love that you point that out. He is, at least when I'm racking my brains right now, the only player I can think of who won 2 Candidates back-to-back in modern recent history of chess.

Yes, absolutely.

And you're totally right, we've seen Jan go on tilt if things don't go well, and then very hard to recover. But when things are going well, he becomes unstoppable. Polina Shivalova currently unstoppable in the tournament. Zhu Jin'er struggling. She was one of the key players for the Triveni Continental Kings last season. Their coach, Captain Leo Kvanvalli, said he's counting on her to show up for this second half. And I think that's going to be absolutely essential for Juju to do to complete the comeback story of the Kings.

Right, I agree, Tanya. And by the way, all those who are asking why are we waiting, I think the start time is 5 PM and it's 4:59. So exactly a few seconds left before we get going. And today we have so many stars who have come to the venue. We have Goofy Gen Chess, a very well-known creator. We have Chef Pillai, who is a celebrity chef. And the games have kicked off. Zuzina opens the game with pawn to d4. It's the Queen's Pawn Opening in this one.

And I also see behind on our other superstar women board that it is in fact the Sicilian.

Hey, they continued that way.

Yeah, yeah, that pawn takes pawn just appeared. I'm looking at it through the camera. So then they'll continue from the moment it was left off, Sagar.

Right, so Alexandra and Stavrula decided they want to play the same opening here, which is the Open Sicilian. And here, Tanya, we have the Trompowsky, and very interesting choice by Zhu Jin'er because she gives up the bishop in the opening, now creating an imbalance that Black has the bishop pair but White has a very powerful center.

You know, Sagar, for a player who's been out of form like Zhu Jin'er, I think the fact that they know their colours and she gets that time to prepare for her opponent could be exactly what she needs to turn her destiny around in this one.

I agree with you, Dhanya. I think that is very important for someone who's not in good shape, that they get to know, okay, this is what I'm going to play. I have the white pieces. And here, Zhu Jin'er, you can see playing quickly. I'm actually thinking that Zhu Jin'er and Firouzja are both going to score their first wins today, is my feeling.

Yeah. Well, hot take there. We'll see. And you've mentioned it. Let's go to our men's superstar board. Tiger, that's about to kick off. Let's catch the handshakes on that one right now. We've got Wei Yi taking on Levon Aronian. Now Wei Yi has also— it's been a resurgence for him in the last few rounds. Started really slow. While Levon Aronian, he's been shaky. It's been an up and down event so far for him. Right.

And it was the first round of the tournament where Levon Aronian actually scored a win against Wei Yi here. So I think Levon has that edge, that psychological edge going into this game. But Wei Yi sacrificed his rook against Arjun twice, and I think since then he's not the same Wei Yi.

And that's exactly what you need, you know. You take down a player like Arjun and you're feeling all confident again. It's handshakes and we are off.

Knight to f3 played by Wei Yi, and Levon goes for Pawn to d5. b3. Ooh, Wei doesn't play this very often. He's just trying to mix it up.

He's trying to mix it up. Again, the point that the players have time to prepare a surprise now. They don't get to know the colour they're going to play 15 minutes before the round starts.

Right. So that really makes it interesting. Wei coming prepared. You can see Levon pausing there. I'm pretty sure Levon also spent a lot of time preparing with the black pieces. Suddenly he's like, hmm. This is not something that I prepared yesterday.

ये तो पक्का नहीं देखा। Because ये तो out of syllabus आ गया। ये तो इतना out of syllabus है कि English के लिए prepare किया था और math exam निकला। Bishop b2 played and now this is going to be a very positional game.

Should we go to Arvind versus Lanier?

Let's do it. Let's get a quick opening look at that before we zero in on our icon board and that is not What happened? It was a castle, and this was an Italian opening. And Sagar, I'll just quickly point out as you do a much-needed action replay that in fact Arvind is provoking the g pawn to move forward, and it's arrived g five, and we are live.

This is going to be a big fight now, and Lennier is not scared. उसने तो अपना king ही वहाँ पे रख दिया। ऐसे कहा जाता है तानिया that where your king lies, don't push your pawns on that side of the board. But linear is like, these are the rules for beginners, not for someone like me.

Sagar, this opening has been played in elite-level chess so many times. It's a well-studied position, and both sides have to be careful because Black has already made some committal decisions. The arbiters are ready on the icon board, and I think in a few seconds from now, we will have handshakes on this one. We've been inside the halls. For all of you watching, where Alireza is looking are where all the multi-board screens are, so you can see how your teammates are doing. How they're playing, and I also see the prodigy board is yet to start. So I believe we will have a simultaneous start there. We've got the handshakes between Firouzja and Yan Nepomniachtchi, and Firouzja instantly with the king's pawn opening onto e four by Alireza Firouzja, and Yan is pausing here.

Tanya, look at this. It's an important moment in the game because usually he loves to play the Petrov. You know this. He puts his pawn on e five. Knight f3, he gets his knight to f6. But today, the confidence that he has is making him play the Sicilian.

And maybe it is this slight more cautious approach of Alireza that he's gone for the Rossolimo and not the standard Open Sicilian we see from him.

Wow, this is going to be such a rich game, Tanya, because we see this imbalance already being created. Alireza just went, gave up his bishop. Doubled the black pawns.

Doubled the black pawns, but you've got the bishop pair right now. You also have the idea, if you're Jan Nepomniachtchi with those doubled pawns, you can start pushing the pawn next to that on the a-file, Sagar. a5, a4 to open up more lines on the queenside is a middlegame concept that black has in mind. Central pawn breaks as well. But Firouzja, he's getting ready to put his bishop on the b2 square, the longest diagonal On the board, and this is a slight surprise in the opening. b3 is not the most played move here.

Yeah, it's not played much, but Tanya, I see White's point. Bishop here, knight here, simply castle. And what is Black's setup going to be? Black can go knight f6, Black can go knight e7, knight g6. Black can put their pawn on d6, they can put their pawn on d5, they can push their pawn to f6. So many options to choose from, and that is what Jan is spending all his time on right now.

I have a crazy theory, but I'm gonna say it anyway. You know, on Wei Yi's board, we saw a really random b3 appear. Yes, on Alireza's board, we are seeing a b3 quick surprise. Is this some kind of a king strategy that, you know, you have a position, try to fianchetto your bishop? Because usually when you place your bishop in that diagonal, you know it's going to be a long game.

And you know, Tanya, who's the coach of Ganji's Grandmasters?

We saw him on the stage earlier.

Yeah, and he's known for his one b3. And if all the Triveni Continental Kings players go b3 and beat Ganji's Grandmasters, Adiban is like, hmm, what should I do? I love b3. I also love my players.

Taking the fight to Adiban's territory here are the Kings. All right, so what Yannick Parnaschi has done, which might look like a slightly strange pawn move, Is that he's blunted that diagonal we were highlighting. And Sagar, after that, you might be looking at that e-pawn even moving forward to control the center. Once e5 comes, you've made sure that White has no central breaks, and then you start putting your knight via e7 to g6. Let's highlight that path. Your bishop will come out, you'll get your king to safety, is potentially the formation that Jan's looking at.

Right, bishop comes to b2.

Oh, he goes the other way now that the bishop's left the diagonal.

Knight h6, Tanya. This is very interesting play by Yan. He's going to put his knight on f7, get his bishop out, castle here, and then you can see black has trump cards—a very mobile center, bishop pair. मजा तो आने वाला है यहाँ पर.

I'm just wondering that the knight on h6, इसका future क्या है? Is it going to fall back on f7 at some point, or will we see it get aggressive via g4?

उसका फ्यूचर एआई में है तानिया। Everyone's future is in AI these days. I think he's going to take an unconventional path. Go to F7, hang around there, then come to the center via E5 or D6.

Something like that. Very fascinating opening battle this one. Sagar, should we do a quick roundup of all the action across the boards? This of course our icon board. Where should we start from? From the bottom.

Let's go to the prodigy board first.

Let's do it. Let's go to the Prodigy board and work our way up.

I think the Triveni Continental Kings don't like their bishops. Look at that, Firouzja went and gave up his bishop. Yes, same thing was done by Sujinar, and now the same thing is done by Pranav, who also gave his bishop here. And it's like almost 3 boards have double bishop advantage for the Ganjis Grandmasters.

And this position also looks quite open for the bishop pair, is what I want to say. But that bishop on d7 is such a problem piece for Leon currently, unless it finds an open diagonal. Sagar, कौन सा ही bishop pair? You know, you can't talk about that advantage until and unless that bishop opens up. If you were to push any of the pawns in front of it, that would be very weakening.

I agree. But Tanya, थोड़ा सबर करो। Pawn to c5. This bishop comes on this diagonal. The other bishop comes here. It can get Very nice for black.

c5 is brave and gutsy with your king castle long side. If we have Pranav go for c5, that would be— sorry, even Mendonça go for c5, that would be very impressive. That's a move I would take at least 30 minutes to make on the board.

Well, Tanya, you have only 17 minutes, unfortunately.

And fortunately, I'm not sitting there.

It's the best move in the position, so let's see if Leon plays that move. Let's go to the Kosteniuk versus Stavrula Solakidou board. And this one is a very rich Sicilian, and I, I just like Black's position somehow. I don't know why. I mean, White seems slightly better, but I like what Black's doing.

I have always liked the Najdorf Opening for the White pieces as long as White controls that d5 square. If Black is able to get that d-pawn up the board Black is absolutely fine. I will take black every day of the year. But Sagar, let's just do a little quick count. White's queen, bishop, pawn, knight—that's four forces with a full clampdown. Oh my god!

Yeah, there's the bishop. Yes. Behind.

Yes. But for black, it's only the bishop and the knight, and it's impossible to achieve that break. And it's not only that—that's a weakness on d six. उस pawn के वजह से black का जो dark square bishop है that is also out of the game. Correct. And also.

I mean, white would love that the knight comes here, Tanya, and then the knight jumps in. Somehow the bishop is here. Maybe bring the bishop back. Knight goes up. It's going to be a maneuvering game for now. Alexandra Kosteniuk slightly better here with the white pieces. Time to go for the third game. Zhu Jin'er versus Polina Shualova. And we were talking about this, Tanya.

This is what we call saga. You know, Zhu Jin'er hasn't won a single game, right, so far in the tournament.

Yeah.

She's been struggling. She was the highest scorer for the Kings last season, an absolute key player in their team. And Sagar, this event has been a disaster for her. But look at this, she comes for the second half, knows which color she's going to be playing from, does excellent preparation against Polina. Look at what we've got in front of us— more space advantage for Zhu. Polina stuck with a really terrible Light squared bishop. Zhu is now maneuvering her knight for a potential kingside attack. That knight can land on h5 at any moment. She knows what she's doing right now. I'm looking at the clocks. It feels like Polina is slightly ahead on that factor, but position-wise, I love what Zhu has done.

Yeah, the bishop on c8 is really passive. उसको निकलना है, बाहर जाना है, पर सब जगह दरवाजे बंद हैं। बिशप करे तो करे क्या? तानिया, दिस इज़ नॉट लुकिंग सो गुड फॉर पोलीना शुवालोवा। विल शी बी लुकिंग एट अ फर्स्ट डिफीट टुडे?

टू अर्ली टू कॉल, बट दिस टू मी लुक्स लाइक वन ऑफ़ द बेस्ट ओपनिंग आउटकम्स आईव सीन फॉर जिन्नर इन द टूर्नामेंट। अग्रेड, अग्रेड। सुजिन्नर लुकिं I have to take just a few seconds to understand, Sagar, कि हो क्या रहा है यहाँ पे? Arvind Chidambaram with the white pieces has the bishop pair, has a bishop and queen battery. उन्होंने अपना अभी rook लाया है to over-defend that f2 pawn. Also potentially somewhere hinting at an f4 break to dislodge that knight. I see this position. I see that dark square bishop that Arvind has which will be unchallenged for the rest of the game. अगर वो knight हट जाता है If Arvind is able to destabilize Lenny's centralized knight, it's advantage white. But can you achieve that?

I don't know if that's possible, but Tanya, the first order of the day looks like pawn to f4. And then if you— I mean, let's say for example black plays nothing, move Rook b8. I go f4, takes, pawn takes even, and then I have pushing forward. But oh, maybe we missed something really big here. Which was bishop takes. Wow! And after pawn takes here, just rook f three and Tanya, this is game over. Wow!

Out of nowhere, a checkmating attack is possible, and that's why this sneaky rook slide over behind the pawn. Usually, Sagar, हम रुक को ओपन फाइल्स में रखते हैं। Right. Arvind की जो last move है, has prepared this trick, and it's not an easy spot. Yeah. कि f four आ रहा है, and then the intermezzo bishop capturing the knight. So Lenya has to be careful. Or clock, they go. Arvind is up by seven minutes on the clock and a first big threat on the board.

Right. Wow! So Arvind Chidambaram looking good. You know, Tanya, I have this feeling if we if we just call upon our six boards before going to the top two boards, almost on every single board white is doing well. And this is because earlier when they were getting white and you had pointed this out. they got to know this only 15 minutes before the game. Now they know it a day in advance, and that's the reason why they're coming so well prepared that white is now a serious edge.

It really is. And that is why I have to say it blows my mind what the Pipers have done. They have played all their games with black in the first half, Sagar.

Yeah, that's a smart call now.

And which means that leading the table, Magnus Carlsen's team is going to come well prepared for every single round. And don't forget, this is not classical chess. This is Speed Chess. The value of an opening surprise is 10x.

Correct. Wow, so this is actually making the tournament— do you know some strategy behind the toss? Now it's becoming clear, but maybe it was not so clear to the captains as well. They were just choosing something randomly. But maybe in the 5th edition, Tanya, everyone wins the toss. Oh, we are choosing black.

I'll tell you the one captain I always feel doesn't do anything randomly. And I think everyone gives it a thought. But it's Grandmaster Praveen Thipsay. It always feels like he comes with a deep strategy.

He must be thinking a lot about all these things, which is kind of revelation to us on day 5. Maybe for Praveen Thipsay, it was always known from day 1.

The experience of it, that if black is going well for us, let's not change it. If we win the toss, we keep black. And well, we'll see about the Pipers later on if that strategy works. But right now, Black does look like you're in trouble. Look at our six boards. Look at the bars all across right out of the opening. Slight edge for white, or at least in the balance.

Let's go to the second board between Wei Yi and Levon Aronian. Now you see this position, Tanya. It's a position for two results because Wei Yi has a weak like Levon has a weak pawn on d five.

वही इस गोइंग टू पुट द क्वीन हियर एंड जस्ट कीप प्रेसिंग दिस एंडलेसली। ओके, ड्रॉ इज़ मोस्ट लाइकली रिजल्ट, बट यू नो कैन कीप प्रेसिंग हियर वही। इट्स अ फैसिनेटिंग पोजीशन। आई सी द पॉइंट दैट यू मेक अबाउट दैट पॉन, बट अगेन यू नो चेस द प्रिंसिपल ऑफ़ टू वीकनेसेस। वन गुड Slightly unpleasant for Lev, but still very much within holdable territory. I agree. So should we say that this one very likely to end peacefully? Yeah, I think so.

Let's go to the top board because this is where chaos can ensue, and already we can see Yan Nepomniachtchi looking strong.

And what did I tell you about the clocks? Sagar Alireza Firouzja is known as a speed demon when it comes to bullet and blitz, but Over and over again, if you observe or commentate on his games, you realize that in the early portions of the game, he's often behind. He takes a lot of time to come up with decisions. And Jan Nepomniachtchi, you know, he's the kind of guy against whom saving 10, 20, 30 seconds can actually sometimes be as valuable as saving a pawn.

Yeah, right now Jan has this very nice position. Tanya, look at this. The center is great. The bishop is out, it's attacking the knight. The pawn on e5 is a bit soft. The bishop is ready to come into the game. I mean, Alireza has to be very careful not to slide into a bad position.

Alright, so the first threat needs to be taken care of if you're white. The knight is under attack. I just want to point out that, that jumping the knight To the square next to the bishop. You have to be careful, Sagar. If you just make that move, knight to g4 in this position, I have a feeling that could be a terrible mistake because the white queen starts looking quite vulnerable. Okay, it's not—

You're right, Tanya. Yeah, g6, game over, because suddenly the queen can no longer defend the knight easily. And if you come here, I even have h5, and there is a pin here.

You pin and you win. Which is why if the knight is not moving, Alireza, we see on our live board, has decided to keep it there and defend it by bringing that vulnerable queen back as well to e2. So that explains the retreating move. And can Jan just simply continue with development? Get your bishop out, get your rook into the game. The one move that I want everyone watching to pay attention to for Black, and it might not happen at this moment, but that central d-pawn moving one step forward. You cut out the dark-squared bishop, and suddenly Firouzja's pawn on e5 becomes a massive target.

It would be very lonely, Tanya, but if the pawn comes forward, the knight gets a beautiful square here from where it cannot be kicked. So every decision has to be responsibly made here. But I can see, Tanya, there's a small tactic. Let's ask our viewers here. If I were to take, knight takes pawn, Then after rook takes rook, king takes. What is the nice move that white has here to get back their material?

And it's always the red flags in the position that one needs to look for, right? Undefended pieces. Where can you double down on the attack? Discover tactics. An undefended king. And Sagar, it has to do with that knight at the center of the board. Agree. And I think we've got a very strong chat.

Exactly, knight takes pawn, and after you take here, I simply take this, and it is a winning position for white. So clearly, this pawn is out of bounds for the time being. And look at this move that Nepo has played, a5.

It was an idea that we discussed earlier, Sagar, very thematic. He wants to play a4 and make a case for that that rook on the top left corner that I might not have to make a move by that rook to actually develop that piece. Hmm. So if a4 was to happen, we'll see some queenside pressure, but Alireza has to complete development. So he brings out his knight, and Nepo doesn't even wait for a second. He just rushes past. He says, you get your knight out, I'm going ahead with my plan. That pawn wants to get to a3 as well if given the opportunity.

Yeah, this looks, this looks very, very interesting. I mean, I'm still not sure who's better here, what's going to happen, but both of these icon, both of these icon players are playing excellently. I think, Tanya, we should come back to this one. I want to draw your attention to the game of Zhu Jin'er and Polina Shualova.

We're going straight to that, that one, but I just want to say one thing. Alireza needs to speed up on this board.

That is absolutely essential for the game. Yeah, this is like he's six seven minutes down on the clock. Alireza, come on, play! And by the way, there's some movement in the Levon Aronian versus Wei board. Wei has gotten an edge. Should we quickly check that before we go to the Polina board? Rook c six is a massive blunder.

Is that because it just allows infiltration of the white's rook?

No, I was wondering, Tanya, does that allow Bishop b5 to simply win an exchange?

I think what he's set up is a very sneaky checkmating attack on the right side, Sagar, in this position.

You're right, Rook g6, and that's the reason it works.

Wow, and suddenly you can't pick up the rook next to the black queen because the pawn in front of the white king falls, and if that pawn falls, your entire kingdom collapses right now. You're not saving this attack, Sagar. The rook will slide over, deliver checkmate on that square. But there was another idea that I want to discuss in that position. I think the reason the computer thinks this is a mistake is because instead of going for this skewer, which falls straight into Levon's hands, this is the one moment where you can capture the bishop. Yes. And Levon will not have the ability to solve his structural problems by capturing with the pawn.

It's happened, Tanya. And why can't he do it?

And if you take it with the pawn, the white rook slides all the way up. And I think this has been played. Levon could not have taken with the queen. Just go back, we've got the live board with us. Levon could not have picked up that bishop with the queen as the d5 pawn is hanging.

Maybe you can start with this move, push the queen away, and then take it. Tanya, that looks really good.

It looks brilliant. So he was forced to capture with the pawn, but this has allowed a massive rook to land on seventh heaven.

Wow, I would have not imagined Levon to come under so much pressure from that position. Tanya, this is looking great for the Triveni Continental Kings.

We thought that this is going to be the one that's going to end peacefully as quickly, and this might be the first one where the kings get a sizable advantage now.

Unbelievable! Levon Aronian with all his experience not being able to maintain that equal-ish position. That's not great news for the Ganges Grandmasters. Where are they going to strike? Where is that position for striking that, that, you know, they can try for the full point? I think it has to come from board number 6, Pranav V versus Leon Mendonça. Tanya, the bishop pair has to start churning here for Leon. The bishop on c7 nicely placed, pawns on the kingside ready to advance, and who knows, someday the knight will be kicked and this bishop will come into the game.

And Mendoza has had one of the most dramatic victories of the Global Chess League Season 4 that we've seen so far against Abhimanyu Mishra yesterday. I for one have never seen anything like that where from a completely lost position, showing incredible presence of mind, Mendonsa, you know, he made a claim that was given to him and then at the end of it everyone watched what happened. Mishra was not able to complete that final move, getting the victory, a much-needed victory for the Ganji's Grandmasters. But Sagar, this kind of position, it feels, feels like he might not need to rely on the clock too much. And why has he come back with the queen is. Now he wants to push that f-pawn forward, exactly to your point. And that knight, ladies and gentlemen, is trapped at the center of the board.

No space to go, Tanya. This is insane. The knight controls all these squares but cannot go anywhere.

Wow.

It's called an octopus knight when the knight sits at the center because it's considered a stallion, the most powerful piece. But right now, Pranav needs to make sure that whatever he moves creates a breathing space for that knight, right? It's about to be pushed back. And even if you survive the knight, Sagar, that bishop you earlier highlighted, you're going h4, g3 next once you've kicked that knight out.

Yeah, this is going to be very interesting. I think this is where the Ganges Grandmasters must hope for Leon to strike. And good news, more good news for the Ganges Grandmasters, as Polina Shualova, who was worse out of the opening Is now no longer worse. Well, you know, she's in such good form, she's not letting her opponent run away with it.

And this is just a battle of almost 2 states, I want to say. You know, very often in chess you see one Connect Four. Here we've got 2 Connect Fours. And Sagar, there is the pawn point theory, right?

Yes.

Wherever your head of the pawn chain is pointing towards is where the play is going to be. For the white pieces, that pawn on e5 is directing that my play, my focus will be on the right flank. For Polina Shivalova, it's the other side of the board. The pawn on c4 says I want to push my b pawn, I want to push my a pawn, get b5, a5, b4 going up the board. And it just feels like, is Polina going to be the faster of the two?

Yeah, I think so. I think so. Polina has a clear plan, as you showed, Tanya, the pawn pointing theory. Here the only question is Do both the kings remain in the center, or do you castle here? Because the moment you castle, boom bam, the attack comes in.

And the moment white castles, boom bam into two, because black's ready to strike with that plan that we highlighted. So maybe this is one of those games where the king is going to stay in the center.

Beach में रखो king को safe है वहाँ पर. And so Polina Shualova also ahead a minute on the clock, looking good once again for the Ganges. ये match बहुत ही interesting हो गया है Tanya. Now if we can pull up our six boards, we can kind of give our viewers an idea of where this match is headed.

Let's do that. And there we have it. Let's start with our top row right there, that top center board. Wei Yi against Levon Aronian. A big advantage. In fact, Wei Yi has gone hungry, snacking on a pawn, has an extra pawn on the board. 2 versus 1 on the left side. Advantage Wei Yi.

I agree, that's the advantage for The, uh, for the Triveni Continental Kings, the other board which is looking really nice for them is the 3rd board where Arvind Chidambaram has a nice edge against Leinier Dominguez. But for the Ganges Grandmasters, it has to be board number 6, Tanya, and board number 4 where Polina Shuvalova is playing.

And to that board, bottom left right there, look at the moves that just happened. You know, like we said, white will play on the kingside. The knight rushes there. And for Polina, B pawn is coming. That's going to be a race. Sagar, for me, that board, the women superstar bottom left, is a board for all 3 results regardless of what the bar says. Arvind Chidambaram, Lenier Dominguez, top right board, also a game for all 3 results because there is an opposite color bishop complex in that one. So Chidambaram, maybe the computer says slightly better, but too soon to call. Correct. And our icon board I just want to say, even though the bar is in the balance, to me that position looks absolutely crazy. It feels like draw is the least likely outcome in that one. We already have a bishop pair for Jan Nepomniachtchi. That's top left board. Let's do it. Let's do a deep dive because Alireza Firouzja has fallen under four minutes now.

Wow! Oh, time कितना कम है भाई. Alireza क्या कर रहे हो? What is Alireza doing? Is he? वो इसे सोच रहे हैं. Let's play bullet now.

The Triveni Continental Kings need Alireza to become faster than Firouzja.

And, and the last move was pawn to c4. Tanya trying to provoke the pawn to come forward one step when actually you can move your knight away. I don't know what Jan is going to choose. It's such a nice position because there are many options. He can take the pawn here, He can push the pawn forward.

And you know, I just want to point out that currently White has an extra pawn, right? It is 7 pawns for White and 6 pawns for Black. Oh, for Jan Nepomniachtchi, the reason why the bar isn't giving a completely better position despite that extra pawn is that first, Jan has a very open position and a bishop pair. And that e5 pawn, let's just highlight that. It just feels like it's a strength if you look at it superficially, but it's extremely weak, Sagar. Correct. Whenever Yan wants, he can just double down on it, pick it up, you know, push that knight out d4, bring the bishop out to g4, pin the knight on f3, and grab that pawn. And just highlight that a3 pawn. वो pawn a7 से कदम-कदम बढ़ाए जा कहाँ ही पहुँच गया है?

बस दो कदम दूर from becoming a queen. छोटा सा पॉन है, but is dreaming big there. Wants to reach the top just like how the Triveni Continental Kings from the bottom of the table want to reach the top. आज हो पाएगा कि नेतानिया what is your prediction of this match? मतलब कहाँ जा रहा है? मुझे समझ में ही नहीं आ रहा है who will win this?

What a match this is and with the boards that we have what action this is. छोटा सा पॉन but not with a छोटी सी आशा is that a three pawn watch out for that. It can either in an endgame, Sagar. I want to say in an endgame that could potentially become a weakness for black because it becomes hard to defend it. But as long as pieces are on the board, that is causing so much so much disruption for Alireza's development. By the way, d four archi pawn आगे and now you see Yan will exchange and then develop his bishop to g four trying to get that central pawn in.

Right, and by the way, this pawn that Tanya pointed out reminds me of a song that my good friend Biswa had once created. It goes, "Pawn hu chota sa, choti si aasha, under promotion, karne ki aasha." What a song!

Well, right now promotion hi ho jaye to kafi hai. Under promotion. तो थोड़ी दूर की बात है, but क्या ही lyrics हैं? It's exactly this is what Rahman sir had in mind.

Yeah, I mean that's the song that he wanted to create but hasn't yet. Someday I hope it will become the anthem of GCL.

We do have an anthem of GCL. You know which other team has an anthem here? I think I'm not sure if all of them do, but the fires American Gambits की fire है anthem.

अरे भाई वो तो whenever they enter I just run into the commentary room because they have such amazing supporters that are chanting those slogans and all and I'm like okay guys this is brilliant you know to have so much support by the way Danya pawn bishop takes knight and now knight will take the pawn in the center and then you do neutralize that imbalance that That's there.

You pick up that pawn at the center, and you just get the feeling that Yan has so much more space than Alireza in the position. But Sagar, you know, I want to highlight that a three pawn.

अरे यार वो pawn है ना सच बोल रहा हूँ. It's taken so much risks, no? Exactly. It is looking weak now.

Risk है तो इश्क़ है सागर.

भाई इश्क़ नहीं लग रहा है मेरे को उधर तो दर्द लग रहा है. This pawn because the no pain no gain सागर.

बेबी सिटिंग कर रहा है ये रुक उसको निकलने नहीं मिल रहा है। That's the problem that that pawn is that an asset or a liability for Yan Nepomniachtchi right now is the question. The biggest asset for Yan right now is Alireza's clock. Yes. तीन मिनट से कम टाइम हो गया है and the position you know we are talking about the pawn problem but please highlight ये जो Alireza का knight है इसका future क्या है? कहाँ जा रहा है ये knight?

उसका फ्यूचर ये छोटा सा पॉन ही है, तानिया। That pawn is going to force the rook to remain here, so both pieces remain passive. ये पॉन सच में मतलब बहुत ज़्यादा ambitious हो गया है। But right now the queen moves away and तानिया now you can take here, take here and suddenly the pawn falls.

Yeah and let's show that line because it's a beautiful line, Sagar. Let's get our analysis board, chat. This one's for you. Why is this not working for white? Oh, you see it? Oh wow, do you see it?

So, so let's first make a nothing move for black, h6. Okay, Queen d6 is fine.

And let's show this idea. So take. If we can have our analysis board, we'll have the live board on the bottom right. And here Sagar wants to get greedy with knight takes pawn, and you see the bar, it shoots right down the board. And again, LPDO lose pieces drop off.

भाई क्या सुंदर सवाल पूछा है तानिया? What a beautiful one! I think everyone who's watching this right now is going to spot that that the queen here is a little bit unprotected. यहाँ पर नजरें एक दूसरे के ऊपर and our chat is already filled with the move check to the king and you lose the queen. Beautiful tactic. Why then move the knight and pick up the queen? Because there's a check here. Check, check.

You win the queen. And this was not possible on our live board because your rook f1 पे है. That would have taken the knight, which is why, by the way, trade हो चुका है. Trade हो रहा है. I think Yan will pick it up with the rook. Yes.

No chance that Alireza falls for this tactic though.

No, that will not happen. Right. He does it. Okay, Alireza, do anything you want, but two things: play fast and do not pick up that pawn. Just these two things. He brought his rook. He bought his rook, so he did play fast and he didn't pick up the pawn.

Exactly. And now check. Rook takes and the queen is defended. These top players look at these tactics like मतलब जैसे हम breakfast में मैं dosa खाता हूँ like you know something we order every day. They eat these tactics and all for daily breakfast. They're so good at it. Must king takes f one. And now Queen f6 check. Tanya, this is looking like it may end in a draw perhaps, but maybe not so sure.

I have a feeling that Jan will play this. Let's have our double board view because Weihe is crushing it on his board. He is about to get the point in for the Triveni Continental Kings against Levon Aronian. Jan Nepomniachtchi will not draw this anytime soon is my guess. Sagar, he will play on Alireza's clock if we can have both boards at the same time.

But clearly, Tanya, Wei is going to score the win for the Triveni Continental Kings because the point here is that Levon's rook is doing nothing. There's no inroads here. Wei is a pawn up. This pawn on a6 weak, h4 pawn weak, e4 pawn weak. सब कुछ weak है.

And it just feels like you know white has all the trumps. The one thing that Levon was aiming. For would have been an attack against the king, but वो आ ही नहीं रहा है because of the f2 pawn. So let's say Vehi gets this point. That's a three-pointer.

Yes, three-pointer and another three-pointer incoming because on the prodigy board Pranav V look at his last move double exclamation bishop को sacrifice कर दिया है उन्होंने knight hanging है उन्होंने कहा एक minor piece नहीं दोनों minor pieces hanging होंगे सागर just do a quick action replay of just the last move. Yeah, so what happened here is we did leave this game at Queen e7. Queen came up to e4, making the queen look at this square, and then Rook g8. He still wants to trap this with f6. Rook b3, and Leon said, "Are am I getting the piece?" Sorry, Leon. Bishop a6 is the move you missed completely, and now he takes it. Knight takes with a fork. Bishop takes and queen takes. This is going to be crushing attack coming in.

What Pranav is saying is that sure you have a check, but I do not see the checkmate, Mr. Mendonça, in this position. How is it winning? I see the bar. Yes, you've sacrificed. I see that black's king is under a lot of danger, but where is the knockout punch?

Tanya, just play calmly. Take this pawn. King d7. Bring your rook in. Put the other rook up, use your pawn and queen, and win this game. Very easy for us to speak sitting in this beautiful commentary room with the fan zone in the background, but very difficult to do that in the playing hall, especially after sacrificing a whole piece in the position.

And the reason कि आपको वो last rook लाना है, again bringing all the toys into the nursery saga, is that you cannot allow the black king The space to run via the light squares. Correct. You know, just high. If you can just draw the arrows, you can't allow the D7, E8, F7 transfer of the black king. So very important to get the rook in. But he gets the wrong rook in.

Hi, क्या blunder? Moving.

Sagar, what proves how difficult the position is? He's blundered hugely, Tanya.

He simply moved and look at Leon.

He plays Queen D7. You can't take the pawn on A6 because of bishop takes pawn check.

Oh my!

The moment the white queen leaves, and this is what Pranav was relying on to pick up that a6 pawn. He thought he's winning on the spot, but that means the bishop gets unpinned. Pranav will be the one who will go down in this. Mendonça will pick up his bishop, capture that pawn, win the white rook. Game over!

What a turnaround from a completely winning position. Pranav is now losing in just one move.

And he does it. And look at that, he had to trade the queens. You can't move the queen away. He in fact—

no, he actually sacrificed his rook, Tanya. But the point here is that now you are just a rook down. Leon's king is safe. There's no way to attack it.

And he couldn't even trade the queens because that would have just been a lost endgame. Instead, we've got this on the board, which means that the Ganges Grandmasters are about To score a four-pointer here.

Yes, here and also on another board, Polina Shualova's hot form continues here as she is completely crushing Zhu Jin'er. Guys, look at this! Totally winning position for Polina Shualova.

She's going to make a queen. You can make a queen. You can pick up pawns on the board, and right there we'll see that happen. It looks like Zhu Jin'er's Fate hasn't changed in the second half at the end of it, and Polina continues her fantastic run, Sagar.

Oh, and another insane game happening! Stevrula Solakidou is now maybe winning against Alexander. What's happening? Trivani Continental Kings are going all out on all the boards, or are they going to lose on all the boards? What's going on, Tanya?

It's absolutely crazy, the turnarounds. But this is what happens in Global Chess League with this time control that we have. Wei He is still under control. Can we check in with the Icon board. Yes. Has anything changed there before we go back here? We taking a look at what is.

Oh my God! We is now not winning anymore. Levon Aronian is back. Ganji's grandmasters are just crushing it.

You know what happened that one second that we he took his eyes off the ball. He looked up to see and Levon with that head shake. He knows he's back in the game. Sagar, he just picks up the rook.

He sacked the rook. It's a draw, Tanya. It's a forced draw. Oh, what a beautiful double attack! I need to just show you guys this what happened here. Rook takes pawn, king takes, and in came a check, and he picked up the rook here. Levon, what a genius!

And once the dust settles, white still has an extra pawn, but such an exposed king that this will be enough for Levon to hold. He's got 25 seconds. I still think that there are a lot of twists and turns in this one, Sagar.

Could be, but Tanya, 8 points already in the bag for the Ganges Grandmaster. Zhu Jin'er has lost her game to Polina Shualova, and Leon has won his game against Pranav V.

And that was Pranav's game to win, but he made a huge blunder, and a draw on the Arvind Chidambaram-Lenier board means that the score is 9-1 currently, Sagar, which means that Jan Nepomniachtchi has to win.

Uh, sorry, Alireza has to win.

14 seconds. Can we go back to the Firouzja board? Right now.

Okay, let's go to the icon board.

By the way, another result, but we stay here.

Yeah, we stay here. But Stavrula Solakidou has won, which means that 13-1, the Ganges Grandmasters have killed it. They are winning this match. They won it completely. Domination.

And look at Yana Pomnishi. He says it doesn't even matter what happens here. Alireza smiling because he says, you know, I have 13 seconds. Do you want to play this on? I think they're just going to shake hands and agree for a draw in this one saga. Right now, absolutely doesn't matter. But Alireza Firouzja with eight seconds on the clock. Do you think they'll play this out? No, and that is Yan. Yan's looking for that eye contact, handshakes there. The icon board ends in a draw, but an iconic performance so far by the Ganges Grandmasters. One game remain, but irrelevant on the result.

You know, Tanya, at some point I got this feeling that the Triveni Continental Kings would win this match. But look at the scoreline now: fourteen.

It started as one thing and ends completely as another. And if we can get that angle where we can see the clocks of the players as well. And look at that.

As you rightly pointed out, there's still a lot to play for. Maybe Levon is like, I also want to join the party. I want 18-2 as the score.

And that would mean that they would leapfrog on game points everyone on the scoreboard. 14-2 is the current score. मैसिव राइट नाउ इट्स अ ड्रॉ तानिया आई थिंक यस देव अग्रीड टू अ ड्रॉ 15-3 इंसेन परफॉर्मेंस बाय द गंजीज ग्रैंडमास्टर्स दे जस्ट शोड़ दे आर सो गुड हियर क्रश्ड इट इज़ व्हाट गंजीज ग्रैंडमास्टर्स डिड एस दे वर चेजिंग द लीड एंड गेट इट डन लेवन आरोनियन वाज़ इन बिग Difficult game, and Triveni Continental Kings two straight wins. But that streak has been put to a big halt. Diokman Valley not a happy man.

And Tanya, this is maybe the first time I saw Triveni Continental Kings being absolutely helpless. And it all began with sixth board, where actually Pranav could have very well won his game. He blundered and lost it, and from there it all went downhill.

It felt like a house. Of cards collapsing after that. You know, after Pranav's board, we saw Yu Jinna in a great position, but going down to Polina Shivalova. Adiban was happy on the golf course; he's happy with his team right now. Right there, I think Yan Nepomniachtchi also keeping it solid and strong against Alireza Firouzja. Top to bottom, just a complete controlled team performance by the Ganges Grandmasters. They're really in the flow.

And once again, the two girls have shown brightly here. Stavrula Solas. Well, what to say about them? And look at Levon, he comes in, he kind of gives this high five to all his team members. Smiles all around. No one loses today from their team, Tanya. That's such a pleasant feeling.

That's a very happy way to win a match right now. Smiles all around there. I think for the icon, Yana Ponomaryshchyna, she has to be feeling proud for his team. Leon Mendonça once again getting so lucky. lucky with that. You know, it was a complicated bit. Kudos to him to find that tactic. Yes, Bishop to a6 was a fantastic brilliancy. And we'll get an update on the scoreline from the arbiter.

Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. If I can announce the results of this match between Triveni and, uh, Triveni Continental Kings and Ganges Grandmasters by a score of 15 points to 3.

The winners are Ganji's Grandmasters.

I can invite the 2 captains up on the stage to sign our card.

I can invite the, the 2—

Thank you.

15-3 is the victory for the Ganges Grandmasters, making a case for the top spot there. Handshakes, but Leo— Leo Van Veli isn't happy. It's kind of nice to see them having a conversation, but you know, we had Van Veli earlier on the stage, Sagar, and he was really hoping That his team continue that comeback story, but it's not been the case for them. They sit at 2 wins and 4 losses this league.

Yeah, I— do you think they're already like out of the top 2 spots or not yet? I think they still have a chance.

Very close.

Like they have to win all 4 of their games perhaps, or at least like 3 and a half or something like that. It's going to be very tough.

It's going to be very tough, and it's also psychologically very tough dealing with this match score that we have of 15-3. You know, you haven't won on a single board. There have been 3 draws and 3 wins. It was the bottom boards, the middle and the bottom Prodigy board, that decided the match. So, you know, the players who have to keep it solid did it for them, and the ones who've been in form, they continue their good form. And Mendonça, he was given one opportunity for a brilliancy, he seized it and never let it go.

Yeah, 3 wins on the last 3 boards, Tanya. It's so amazing what this team has managed to achieve. And when you look at their body language actually in the dugout, you don't even see them being overexcited. It feels like they just felt that this is what is going to happen today.

It was something. But you could also tell how much it meant to them with the smiles on their face. Sagar, I think my mind is honestly still at that Pranav ball. You know, Pranav got that beautiful Bishop a6 in. But missing that queen move that just turned everything around, which means we've got some topple over on our overall standings as well. Pipers with their early win of 11 to 6 have been now joined by the Ganges Grandmasters with 12 match points. But Sagar Pipers still lead with 3 game points on that score. Triveni Continental Kings are now still at 6, struggling alongside the Alaskan Knights who will be in action next.

I like this scorecard right now because all teams have played 6 matches, so it's a very even scorecard right now. We can say that Alpine APL Pipers and Ganji's Grandmasters are right now the favorites to make it to the finals, but with 4 more matches to go, Tanya, anyone can really make it to the top.

Well, one thing's for sure, that the Kings and the Knights have to start performing on the chessboard right now. You know, and for Trivini Continental Kings, Sagar, the day isn't done.

Yes, that's why they have to play one more.

And that's the point, that they will have 7 matches at the end of the day. And adjusting, resetting from the storyline that's just happened, what they've just had to face from the Ganges Grandmasters, playing the Fyers American Gambits at the end of the day, the day only gets tougher for them.

I agree, I agree. This is going to be such an interesting second half of the day today as Vishy Anand's PBG Alaska Knights comes in. Then we will have Chavokir Sindharov's fires, American Gambits coming in. A lot of action still coming your way, Tanya. I'm just enjoying this entire tournament because whatever I'm feeling from within— like today I felt Triveni Continental Kings will win it— did not happen at all.

Yes.

I'm not even getting one prediction right.

It's a crazy day. It's absolutely— and I could feel that as well. I just felt like momentum was on the Kings. Side, but somehow the Ganjis just gave them no chance at all. They just couldn't ride the tide against the Ganjis Grandmasters. Next up, what we're going to be having is the PBG Alaskan Knights taking on the Czech Mumba Masters. And while that happens, take a look at what's been happening behind us, Sagar. We've been having tournaments here, fans have been coming playing chess, you know, players of all age groups, chess fan, chess community. Right now I'm sure they're outside waiting for the team arrivals as well. Bengaluru showing up for the Global Chess League.

Yes, it has been a packed audience on all days, and what's been very, very promising is to see that also on weekdays there have been so many people coming in. Tanya, yesterday I was talking with Anish Giri and he told me something very interesting. He said this is one of its kind league where on a given day any team can be beaten by just about any team. It never happens in In any tournament in chess, like generally you have the favorites always.

Absolutely. And today, Ganji's Grandmasters showing why they are making a strong case in their campaign. And now the only thing left to find out, and it's not an easy one, but Arohi, who is our player of the match?

Hello and welcome to the post-match presentation ceremony after the second game of today. The Ganji's Grandmasters have done So well, so why not just call the team here and give it up for the Ganges Grandmasters? Ian, let's start with you. The team is on a roll. I mean, the kind of games that y'all are winning is nothing short of exceptional.

Yeah, like today it was—I mean, like a very pleasant surprise.

Even like at some point, like during during the round, I wasn't like. I was trying to understand if I should keep playing on or just take a draw, and I couldn't evaluate any of the positions.

So like Leon was under attack. Okay, Polina was like a mess. I mean, a lot of boards.

Like I mean, maybe just like me being a rich chess player, but I couldn't understand what's going on.

And then like when I finally saw there is like my opponent isn't happy with the results, I also like paid attention at the board.

And wow, we are leading three zero three oh.

Okay, then then I thought.

Okay, we— I got to take a draw.

It's all right.

And now a very important question. Are you ready? For what? For the question. No, I'm gonna ask irrespective. Why didn't you come for golf?

I slept.

I mean, I sleep at this time normally.

Sorry.

If we keep it in the evenings, will you be there?

Uh, I'll do my best. Yeah, that's a lot, a lot more chances I will, I will attend.

Than like 8 a.m. All right, thank you so much. Congratulations on the win, Polina. Thank you, man. What do I say about you? Every time you go there, you do it for the Ganges Grandmasters, and you have been consistent since last year. You played in the same team. This year you're playing in the same team. Teammates have changed though, but you are consistent. That consistency looks like the key.

Yeah, actually, we together we Stavy, we stayed in the team. So, uh, yeah, but it's, it's nice to play with the guys. Uh, I like the way we are starting to play.

So yeah, I hope we'll keep doing our best.

Uh, also let's talk about GCL. How's the competition? Better than I'm Not a GM competition?

Yeah, yeah, this is a nice competition. Yeah, IM, not GM, was also incredible, of course, but yeah, this is a good level also.

You've been the winner of one. Let's see if you can be the winner of the other this year. But all the best and congratulations for today's win.

Thank you very much.

And now let's move on to the Player of the Tournament Award. And to give away that award, may I please call upon Mr. Balaram Narayan Kar, co-founder, Roastery Coffee House. And the Player of the Match award goes to Stavrula Solakidou.

Thank you.

Savvy, what do you have to say about the women power in the team? All talk about the women power right from the auction, now even continuing through the league.

Okay, Polina is the best. She's doing amazing. I think she deserves player of the match again.

You know, she's already got so—

Yeah, she got so many, so she doesn't need more. I'm happy to finally win for the team. I think it was important.

Yeah, I wasn't doing so well, but yeah, hopefully this win is gonna get me back on track.

Oh yes, but was the pressure there to get back on track, or do you think that you came into this with a calm mind and that's the result paid off?

Yeah, I try to be as calm as possible, you know.

Maybe golf helped, actually.

Yeah, someone was there. It was fun. Someone was there for golf.

Actually, the coach told me to just try to enjoy, so that's what I tried to do.

And yeah, I enjoyed having like under 10 seconds for most of the game.

All right, congratulations on today's win. Just like Polina keeps on coming back, I would love to see you back as well for the Player of the Match Award.

Thank you so much. I hope so.

That is it from the post-match presentation ceremony. We will be back. As of now, back to comms.

Huge congratulations to the Ganges Grandmasters and to Star Rula getting a 15-3 victory. Exactly what they needed, making a strong claim at that top spot right now. And Katty, you're joining us. I could tell that Yan approved of Star Rula getting that player of the match. He did a bit of head nod there. You know, Tanya, this is Yes, Agandas Grandmasters are a really good team. I spent some time with them during the golf session and they were making some photos together, they were making some jokes. Very nice and sweet team.

Wow, nice. And I, I can sense that camaraderie, you know. It's like everyone's sort of saying good things about each other. For example, Stavrula got the award and she said, I thank the coach who told me to be just Just calm and you know so on.

So everyone feels involved in this victory, and it's been awesome to watch that camaraderie on the board and also the skills on the board. Again, being a little bit in trouble out of the opening was the start of this match. Two very different stories. Triveni Continental Kings came in looking for their hat trick comeback, but the Ganges wanted to put a claim on that top spot, and that's exactly what they did. It's It started with the Kings having advantage or a slight edge pretty much every single match, and then slowly and steadily on the clock and the board, the Ganjis turned it around.

Yes, and I think that's just amazing that Levon, who was completely lost throughout the game, also saved his game. So, you know, when you end the day, uh, you just know that everyone Is happy. You can see that Levon was under so much pressure against Wei. Lenier played a very good game against Arvin, didn't give his opponent any chances.

You know, Kathy, you and I were at the golf course when we had the teams in, and actually the Ganges Grandmasters had the maximum number of players for golf this morning.

So only Nepo didn't turn up?

Yeah, yes, he was sleeping. Turned up. Everyone else came. There was Levon, Polina. No, sorry, we had Stavrula. Yes, Adiban was there. Adiban was obviously there. And right now we saw there for Wei Yi also, it was a moment of disappointment. You know, he had that extra pawn, could have pushed more for the kings, but missed that tactics. And Levon striking straight back. And that means, Ketty, our leaderboard remains incredibly tight at the top. And this is exactly what we love to see. We want to have Still some complications, still a lot of questions, and not the sole leader. Who do you think will have all the answers in this league for all the questions? Which team do you think will do it?

Alpine, I think. No?

Uh, they have definitely the advantage, you know, but, uh, yeah, I would— if I have to, if I have to choose one team, I have to, I will choose Alpine. It was probably Alpine. Alpine Pipers know what it takes to become champions. They are the defending champions coming into Season 4. And so far, so far, every round they go on to prove that it is the team to beat. We've got 2 more matches ahead of us. And it's going to be an absolute thriller of a day. We'll be back with all of that and more. You stay tuned with us. जब एक इंडियन के हाथ में पावर आता है, दस हजार रन का माइलस्टोन पार हो जाता है। सोचो, जब हर इंडियन के हाथ में पावर आएगा, इंडिया कितने और माइलस्टोन पार करेगा? इसलिए योनो देता है हर इंडियन के हाथ में पावर। The all new योनो, power to every Indian। जब एक इंडियन के हाथ में पावर आता है, वो एक कामयाब लीग कैप्टन बन जाता है। सोचो, जब हर इंडियन के हाथ में पावर आएगा, इंडिया कितना कामयाब हो जाएगा। इसलिए योनो देता है हर इंडियन के हाथ में पावर, the all new योनो, power to every Indian.

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पापा, हमारे यहाँ प्लास्टिक रिसाइकलिंग का प्रॉब्लम नहीं है, प्लास्टिक कलेक्शन का प्रॉब्लम है। और हम सब मिलके नहीं करेंगे, तो फर्क कैसे पड़ेगा?

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पर हम भी जिद्दी हैं। तीस से ज्यादा क्वालिटी चेक्स, विटामिन ए और विटामिन डी से युक्त और खाना भी बने स्वादिष्ट। खाने में समझौता नहीं, अच्छा खाना शुरुआत से ही। इंडिपेंडेंस। जब 11 इंडियन के हाथ में पावर आता है, इंडिया क्रिकेट के मैदान में वर्ल्ड चैम्पियन बन जाता है। सोचो, जब हर इंडियन के हाथ में पावर आएगा, इंडिया और कितने मैदानों में वर्ल्ड चैम्पियन बन जाएगा? इसलिए योनो देता है हर इंडियन के हाथ में पावर। The all new योनो, power to every Indian. Welcome back, everyone. 2 matches down and 2 to go. And next up, stepping into the Lalit in Bengaluru is going to be... None other than the legend of Indian chess, 5-time world champion Vishy Anand, will be back with his team, the PBG Alaskan Knights, to take on the Czech Mumba Masters. Katty, how do you view this matchup? This is the matchup that I was— I think I'm the most excited today, to be honest, because I want PBG Alaskan Knights back in the action because they had terrible 2 defeats yesterday. And you guys In all the matches they had, they made zero draw. They had all the decisive results, right? They were a bit unlucky. So I think it's time now to come back for this team.

But if they make a comeback, Tanya, Ketty, that means that the Czech Mumbai Masters would lose both their matches today.

It's going to be a nail-biting match for these 3— 2 teams. PBG Alaska Knights, can they stop the landslide with the last 3 losses? We are going straight to our Rohit, who's ready for the questions. for the captains.

Hello and welcome to the color switch. Well, the tosses are done. Now all they have to do is switch colors, play the color they did not play the first time these 2 teams faced each other. Now for that, let me call upon the tournament director, Mr. Bharat Singh, to join us for the color swap. And now the coaches of the 2 teams. For the Knights, we have Abhijeet Kunte, and for the Masters सूर्या शेखर गांगुली। कैन वी हैव द स्वॉप? The knights play black, masters play white. Let's start with you. Playing with white, first result did not go your way, but you've had some time to reset. Now that you're back, what's the plan?

Well, just enjoy the game and every board is important. And yeah, we don't think much about colors in general. So anyway, we have to play both colors, so it doesn't matter.

Now that you're playing the second time against them, um, so far, if I give you a stat that they are yet to secure a victory with black, does that help you in any way mentally, probably psychologically?

I never think this way, neither my team thinks this way.

I think, you know, you just always start from the beginning. The statistics and all, it doesn't really matter once the game starts.

Absolutely. Probably the player comes to the board and the way they play on that day is what defines the result of the game. All the best for today's game. Same question to you. Yet to win with black. What do you do differently?

I think theory of probability is on our side because we haven't won with black for a long time. So, I think we will win today, hopefully.

And Surya said that he doesn't mind any color, but when he was playing very actively, I had to take a lot of blacks because of him.

So, he must be very happy to play with white.

So, is there a rivalry here as well, along with the teams playing a rivalry of their own?

Yeah, we have played together for many years, so I think we know each other very well.

So, does that also—

I want to add something.

I mean, Abhijit is someone, you know, who is seeing me when I was— when I started playing chess, my very first nationals and all, he was there.

And I still remember first time when he asked me, how many years you are going to play a national junior?

And I was like, 15 years. So, you know, our relationship goes back like really, really long way.

Now, what remains to be seen is, does that drive this rivalry seep into the players as they take each other on board. But, uh, all the best to both the teams. That is it from the color swap. We have, uh, the Mumbai Masters playing white, we have the PBG Alaskan Knights playing black. Back to casters.

Thank you, Arohi. A friendship that goes, uh, close to 2 decades. These 2 players, maybe even more than that, know each other for so many years, and we can see the kind of, you know, the love and the warmth they have. But for the next 40 minutes, they are opponents, they are rivals.

And I think both teams really need this win. For example, if PBG Alaskan Knights lose this one, the chances of them finishing in top 2 diminishes in a big way. And there we have it. Last time they played each other, it was the team led by Vishy Anand that triumphed. But this time, Tanya, Ketty, what do you think? I feel the Czech Mumba Masters team looks a bit stronger.

Okay, then I will, I will support and take PBG Alaskan Knights to have some balance here in the studio. Okay, I love it. And, and to Ketty's point, actually, the PBG Alaskan Knights, like you said, 11-6 victory Against the Czech Mumba Masters in their last meeting. You know, these are our matchups right now. I think for the PBJ Alaskan Knights, for Vishy Anand and company, it's so much about emotional reset from what happened yesterday. Right. For Vishy, a one-move blunder on move 23 against Jan Nepomniachtchi. All the drama on the Prodigy board for Abhimanyu. How quickly are they going to be able to get that response in today? But I loved what Suryashaker Ganguly said, that, you know, it's not stats, it's not numbers that decide a result, performances does. Exactly. When the clock starts, that's a new game, new history of the game. And the statistics is basically for us, right, to talk and to have some favorites and so on. But the game— Entertaining, but not a decisive factor at all. Otherwise, people will not show up for matches if it was the numbers that were doing talking. But right now, for PBGL, I think it's absolutely important to get this match win. Otherwise, Sagar, they're potentially looking—

Yeah.

At an impossibility to make it to the top 2.

Because they are on 6 points right now, and today the Triveni Continental Kings lost. They are also on 6, but they've played 6 matches. This will be the 7th match for the PBG Alaskan Knights. If they lose and are on 6 points, that would be really, really bad.

So let's see where we can make a case for them. Can we have the pairings up one more time? You've spoken about Vishy, you know, the kind of day he had yesterday. I think that's even tough for legends to absorb, right? What happened against Alireza Firouzja, what happened against Jan Nepomniachtchi— 2 heartbreaking losses. If we were to make a case for the PBG Alaskan Knights, Ketty, where are you seeing their big strengths? Uh, board 2, Arjun is obviously the one, a dogmus. I think He started to get in shape, and he's tough opponent, obviously, for Mamedyarov. They have this relationship of student and the coach, right? This is very interesting. And yeah, the Nino is is is well known.

Yeah. Nino is like always doing well for the team. I think what would really matter is if Vishy can brush off what happened yesterday. Yes, because I think there have been many, many times in his entire career he's made a comeback. But what happened yesterday, I felt, was a little different, where Vishy somehow towards the end, you know, he had a position in his hand, his hands were shaking, he was not able to make the move. And somewhere the doubt shouldn't enter his mind.

And he was offered to draw. A draw was enough for the team to win the match, right? In the end, the way things turned out, it would have been enough. But the moment in which Vishy decided to play on, he did it for the team, feeling that it would have been required. I love the point you make about Nino Batsa Chivalry. I think she's been such a fantastic team player in this event, getting those big wins in. In fact, in their previous round, as well as the PBG Alaskan Knights, they do arrive. Katrina Lagnow there, and I was talking about Nino. Now she's facing Carissa Yip, and Carissa Yip. Carissa has been one of those players who's found her late form in this tournament. For Vishy Anand, it's all about making a comeback from what happened yesterday. Sagar, I was watching the end of the match, the final match of yesterday. You could see it was almost like Vishy was unable to make those final few moves, right? It was so shaky to watch.

I think Vishy should just take this time control as 18 minutes, not 20, because in the last 2 minutes He's unable to play up to his strength. He has been playing incredibly well in the opening, in the middle game, and I think this is a huge chance for him to make another comeback, which we always expect from him over all these years.

That's right.

In fact, after, uh, this game against Magnus Carlsen when he lost on time, he started to play very fast. And in fact, yesterday Uh, in his game against Jawahir Sindharu, he had so much extra time on the clock, right? So I think he's, he's working on these things that he finds as an issue, and I feel like today is a day that he will just nail it. And I wonder if the fact that, you know, for the PPG Alaskan Knights, again, there's time to bring in some preparation as well going into the match, is something that would help him save those minutes. Because it's really been the turnaround on his boards in the final few seconds. The quality has not been in question.

I agree, I agree.

And the thing that we are most looking forward to is if Vishy is able to kind of finish off the game in those 35 minutes or so. Because these players, these top players like Sinderov, MVL, Magnus, they're so good. Even if they are worse and have lesser time than Vishy, they keep prolonging the game, dragging him into time trouble. Yes, they know that that is where his weakness is, and Vishy needs to come out of it. But how do you do it?

Yes, and all the Vishy's opponents on the— all the icons have one thing in common: they respect Vishy so much that they don't— none of his opponents celebrated the victory. And so far, Vishy has lost 4 games. They've not celebrated, but they've gone for it. They know they need to do it. It's not the ideal way to win, but they have to try to flag if that's what gets them the points. And Maxime Vachier-Lagrave is not new to flagging. He's been a former World Blitz Champion. You know, he is a speed specialist himself. I think that's one of the boards the Czech Mumba Masters will be counting on. And I know Bengaluru loves to watch Vishy in action. So everyone in the arena, keep an eye on that icon board. Make a case for Mumba Masters now, because they had a really tough start to today against the Alpine Pipers. How are you expecting their reset to be? Uh, Tanya, they also had a very tough start at the beginning, and then only after a few, few days in the start of GCL, they started to win back-to-back 3 matches. So they are not new to lose several matches and then come back, right?

And there you see, by the way, Harika. I think she's the one who's in top shape, and she She's playing really well. The other encounter which I feel could go in the Czech Mumba Masters' favor is Shakriyar Mahamedyarov versus Yas Kanerdogmus, because Shaq is the coach of Yas Kan and he already beat him on the last match that they played. Remember, Shaq was losing and then towards the end he turned it around. So he has this psychological edge over the youngster, I feel.

It is Mentor versus Prodigy on that board. A shark walks into the buggy right there. The players getting ready. We see Suryashaker Ganguly with Pranesh. Let me talk a little bit about Pranesh right now, right? He comes into Bengaluru, he comes in as a late replacement to Fedoseev. He starts, uh, gets that win against Anish Giri, goes on to win so many of his games as well. But he did lose to Arjun in the previous encounter. And it was an up and down battle. For me, when I look at Arjun versus Pranesh, that's a big pressure point game in this match.

Yes, I think Arjun is, according to me, a favorite in this one, especially with what Pranesh did against Anish Giri and how he lost today in the morning. He would need a really big reset to come back.

That's right. And well, he, he will not be able to play g5 because he's with white pieces in this round.

Who knows, maybe g4, g5.

We might have the g-pawn go up the board with Pranesh. That's never a new story, always looking for those aggressive ideas. But also for Arjun, you know, he thrives in those kind of positions. I think when we look at all the matchups, there's such a big case to be made for each of these players playing combatively, trying to get that win, because it just feels like their style of play. Talk to me before we quickly go on about Abhimanyu Mishra. How are you expecting him to deliver today, especially given everything that happened yesterday? Uh, I have seen him today in the morning at the golf session. He came with Nino, and they were so— they have very interesting, you know, friendship or teammates. Nino was so much caring about him. You know, kind of like a big sister. Yes, yes, exactly. I think they have very good team spirit. They have meetings, they have dinners together. I am certain that Abhimanyu Mishra don't even remember that game. We remember that one, but yeah, I'm sure he, he will focus on this one easily.

I think Abhimanyu is not in great form here, but the same can be said about Dhaneshwar Bhardia as well. He lost to Volodar Murzin in a Very very kind of fashion where he had no chances. So I think the prodigy board is between who is going to make a comeback today. And look at Vishy, by the way. He has smiles on his face. He feels like today he's going to make a comeback. I hope he does. Tanya Ketti, do you feel the same?

I feel the same. I bet on them. You know, I think everyone wants to see a. Vishy come back in that arena. Uh, his fans are here, an absolute legend of the game. And just watching him play— he's 57 years old?

56.

56 years old. He's almost double the age of, well, Alireza Firouzja to start with, more than that. And to see him perform at the level that he does in the format that this is— and again, it just comes down to those final few seconds of the game where we've seen Vishy struggle. He's had great positions. He's had even advantageous positions. Yesterday, he was close to a winning position against Alireza. With the time, the clock has been the big factor. And you know, to me, Sagar, it feels like he is the OG lightning kid. And I want to see that back on the board.

Right. And just for the Czech Mumba Masters, MVL is going to take all his chances against Vishy because he knows that if he keeps the game going, he can beat him on time. So let's see, this is going to be a very exciting board number 1 clash. I'm looking forward to it.

I'm looking forward to it. And also, MVL has lost today the first game against Magnus Carlsen, and he's— we know him, he's not a player who will accept to lose 2 games in one day, right? He's the kind of player who responds in the best way possible, which is the board. And he knows that Vishy's— well, Vishy's weakness in this event has been the clock. So I think he's going to not try to rush a decision on board 1. If I was to make a speculation here, I would think that MVL's strategy would be, Sagar, to get a long game against Vishy.

Keep playing, keep the game going on and on as long as you can. And there you see, this team actually is really strong because Nino is playing well. Arjun, if he fires He can do really well. There's a lot of potential in both the teams. It all depends on who's going to come out with the goods today.

And the Czech Mumba Masters lost to the Alaskan Knights 11-6 in their previous battle. It was Arjun, Nino, and Abhimanyu scoring for that team. For the Czech Mumba Masters, this is their second showing today. They went down to the pipers. They're looking for a comeback, and it's a very important one, even given the team standings where they are right now in their campaign to the finals. We've seen Sohail, you know, he's been around, uh, how much he encourages his team, his players. And I think for both these teams, it goes beyond the board. It's so much about, again, that psychological, the mental and emotional reset from everything that has just happened. Check Mumbai Masters just a few hours ago and PBG Loscon Knights, everything that happened yesterday. Yeah, and somehow they they like they both need to win, right? Exactly. What happens if the match ties and they end up in a draw? Impossible. It's possible. That happened. That happened, Sagar. It has happened.

Six draws from PBG Alaskan Knights is not possible. Yes. Okay. Yeah. That that more accurate. Twelve decisive games yesterday. So two. To expect 6 draws is very, very unlikely. By the way, while we are enjoying this match which is about to begin, we can see already in the fan zone there's so much of activity that's happening. There are events happening. I think they were going to do some freestyle chess today. Some players have come to do the simul. Amazing.

And I love the challenge that Ketty has come up with for us, where we are going to try the 3-second challenge. We're going to attempt to promote and do what Abhimanyu failed to do yesterday in 3 seconds. Everyone watching, maybe give that a shot and tell us, uh—

I thought you had to eat something in 3 seconds.

I wish it was that simple, Sagar. But we have to try to promote, pick up a piece, make our own queen, and see if we can achieve it in 3 seconds. I think 1 second is absolutely impossible. Even if you are a Formula 1 driver with incredible reflexes, you probably won't get that in. But which team will get the points in today? And they are ready, and Arohi is ready to bring them in.

The main focus of this face-off is the rivalry, yes, between the players, but a greater one between the coaches, which is going to be renewed today. Well, a new chapter begins to be written today in their history. Give it up for the 2 teams, PBG Alaska Knights and Czech Mumbai Masters. Let's start with the introductions of the two teams, starting with the masters. The strategic mathematician Maxime Vachier-Lagrave. India's 79th grandmaster Pranesh. Two times Gashimov Memorial winner Shakriyar Mamedyarov. Padma Shri Harika Dronavalli, 4 times US Women's Champion Karisa Yip, rising Iranian superstar Badiyadan Eshwar, and their coach Surya Shekhar Ganguly. And now give it up for the PBG Alaskan Knights. Padma Vibhushan Anand Vishwanathan, the creative madman Arjun Erigaisi, youngest 2700 Yagishkarnar Dogmas, 3-time women's rapid champion Katarina Lagno. Olympiad gold medalist Nino Batsiyashvili, and the youngest to defeat a reigning world champion in classical, Abhimanyu Mishra, with their coach Abhijit Kunde. All the best to the 2 teams. And now for the first move, may I please call upon the tournament director, Mr. Bharat Singh, and our guest for today, Miss Shweta Sivasankaran.

We And Olympic gold medalist Tanya Sachdev joining me here in the commentary box. This is a star-studded encounter and we have a star-studded commentary team. Thank you, Tanya, for being here, otherwise it wouldn't have been star-studded. So, first game.

हरिका वर्सेस कटरीना लाग्नो लेट्स गेट इट रोलिंग। वी आर गेटिंग इट रोलिंग, बट आईव गोट द सुपरस्टार ऑफ चेस राइट नेक्स्ट टू मी इन सागर शाह, सो आई कंपलीटली डिसएग्री विद व्हाट यू जस्ट सेड, बट थैंक यू सागर, एंड द चेस इज़ ऑन नाउ। वी वे गोट आवर फर्स्ट मूव्स इन। डिड यू ह Could it be Bharat Ratna?

You know, that's what Vishy deserves. You know, the Bharat Ratna Award. He's done so much for chess in India. But today, can he do a lot for the PBG Alaskan Knights? We'll have to see as this game goes into the Catalan territory.

The Alaskan Knights have to stop the landslide. They've had three back-to-back losses so far, and it's so important to stop that bleeding. I think this is almost a survival match is what it feels like. for the Knights right now. And we see the women's superstar board in action. It's been the Queen's Pawn Opening, some trades at the center of the board, and right now the queen comes out with a check by Lagnaud. She's going to pick up that pawn. Let's take a look at our other superstar women board. Carissa Yip has had a late resurgence in this tournament. She's been winning her last couple of matches, struggled at the start of the tournament, but Nino Batziashvili has been such a hot player for the Knights.

Right, absolutely. And this one, Carissa Yip needs to play carefully because Nino just loves this format. She's winning one game after another. But here you will see, Tanya, that she's taken a lot of risk, uh, Carissa, in the opening by pinning the knight without Black having castled, which means that Carissa doesn't have to put her king here. She can just go g5 directly.

And that's always very tempting. And this is provocative chess by Carissa. Uh, Carissa, who has castled, is inviting Nino to start pushing that g-pawn. The bishop will retreat, and then that's a committal move, Sagar. It's going to have consequences. And there it is. Nino doesn't shy away from the complications. Very important because it's the only way to unpin that knight. You can't stay on that pressure. And we've got our men's superstar board in action as well, Sagar. And Arjun versus Pranesh is going to be a Sicilian.

I mean, Arjun and Pranesh suddenly have played so many games with each other, right? They played in EWC with each other, 2 games there. Then suddenly they played 1 game here in which Arjun won, and now again they are playing. So right now Arjun has a 3-nil score against Pranesh, but I can assure you guys, they were not one-sided encounters for sure. Absolutely not.

I think just an up and down battle is how it goes, trading punches along the whole position, and that's the style of these two players. We saw the bar rise up, shoot down, all the complications. Expecting more of that today as the bishop gets hit. Arjun moves forward. This guy doesn't know how to retreat. Let's move on to our other superstar board.

Yeah, mentor versus protégé. Yes, and I think this game is going to speak a lot about the mental fortitude of Yass Kaner Dogmas because he lost his game to Shaq yesterday. After his loss in the first game, there were— I think someone told me that he was also in tears. But then in the next one against Dubov, he came and he was like, I want to win, and he won the game. So today, let's see how he manages to perform.

Dogmas is a player who has been impressing the whole world. We will see what happens on this, but let's move on to our icon board. We will have handshakes And the first moves very soon on this one. Maxime Vachier-Lagrave starts with the white pieces for the Czech Mumba Masters. On the black side is PBG Alaskan Knights' Vishy Anand. For Maxime, he lost to Magnus Carlsen just earlier today. For Vishy, 2 heartbreaking losses yesterday. Only one will make their comeback, right?

And pawn to e4 is very likely. I've seen always MVL going for that. I don't think he'll go for one d four. Let's see what he plays. Yes. Oh, what? What, Tanya?

I think you said this, Sagar, that any prediction I make today, so just do not go out and buy any lottery tickets today. It's just not going to happen.

Or you know, I can do so much today. Like whatever my intuition says, just do the opposite. Yeah. Like I mean, I've never seen MVL play d four, Tanya.

He's just doing this because I think he wants to catch Vishy off guard, to force him into early things, to force him even if he finds the right moves to burn the clock. And look at that, such a dynamic approach! We have full tension in the center, Sagar.

Crazy, guys! Look at this. Knight to c3 is known as the Veresov Opening. Usually Black goes Knight f6, but Vishy went c5. And MVL says, "I'll strike in the center." Pawn takes pawn, and Tanya, now you push your pawn one step ahead. This reminds me of the Albin counter gambit, but from the white side, guys. It's a crazy opening.

So right now, Maxime Vachier-Lagrave has already sacrificed the pawn. Yes. It's a gambit on the board, like you're pointing out, and you can't pick up the pawn at the center of the board because the other pawn is hanging. That's why you want to advance that d pawn.

सागर, इफ नाइट टेक्स पॉन, ब्लैक विल सिंपली कैप्चर द डी फोर पॉन एंड इज़ डूइंग रियली वेल इन दिस पोजीशन। एब्सोल्युटली। या दिस दिस इज़ एक्चुअली जस्ट अ सिंपल पॉन अप। सो क्लीयरली मकसीम हैज़ टू टेक इस हैज़ टू पुश डी फाइव बट समहाउ। व्हाई इज़ ही पॉज?

ही पॉजिंग बिकॉज़ So, Momo Masters have had three wins, three losses in their matches so far at the Global Chess League Season Four. They absolutely need this match victory to try to make a strong claim for those top two spots. D five on the board, but a lot of time spent for this move, Sagar.

ठीक है. I think he's just recollecting his lines, Tanya. But now, very quickly, bishop F four के लगाया है. And and you can see. Already the engine prefers Vishy's position, but that's not actually so helpful because Vishy may not remember his opening here. He may not have revised this opening anytime in the last few months.

Exactly. And engines, they are biased towards material. They see that Anand has an extra pawn, so it gives Black an edge. White, the plan that Maxime could have in mind, Sagar, get the queen out of the way. The bishop is already out of the way. And I think we're looking at a potential long castle from Maxime Vachier-Lagrave. Definitely.

And Knight e2, Knight g3, Tanya sometimes pushing the g-pawn down the board. This is the game we want to like enjoy today.

Yes, I, I think this is the game that is going to be thrilling to watch, not just on the scoreline but all that happens on the board. Just simply based on what we have, I think Vishy is getting ready to get his king to the And Sagar, that means we'll have opposite side castling potentially.

And one thing, remember, you can play any gambits and stuff against Vishy, but he has years of experience. He will know exactly what is the way in which he does not fall into some trouble. Like, he could take a slightly inferior position, Tanya, but something that's easy to play.

And how do you find something that's easy to play in a position this complex? I love that Vishy has chosen The g7 fianchetto diagonal for his bishop. You know, I've been talking about a long castle plan, and suddenly this move makes me want to hesitate with that. Imagine a black bishop on that diagonal, and I'm thinking, do I really want my king there as white?

But you know, Tanya, you can do the thing that usually people do against g6— hurl your h-pawn down the board, open up your rook, and then attack the black king.

I love it. h4 for the score. And it's anyways an idea that you want to have on your radar, which is the moment that Maxime will choose to employ it. As he takes a think, Sagar, like you said, this is our marquee matchup, our headliner. We'll be spending a lot of time on this one. Chat, let's do a quick roundup and see what's happening on the other boards. GCL, every board matters.

Absolutely. Let's go from the top. Let's go to Pranesh versus Arjun on board 2. This is where Pranesh has started off with a very decent position, Tanya. He has the bishop pair, And I think it's, it's pretty cool. You can just move your bishop to c5 and claim a very small edge as white.

I agree with you, Sagar. You know, you're one move away from getting your king to safety, finishing development, and you have a long-term edge to play for in this position. Right now, knight has been developed by Arjun, the move highlighted in blue. He's hitting the bishop at the center of the board. I wouldn't be tempted to fall back with it because that would allow the d-pawn to move forward. So I like your idea of going on the counter-offense, but I'm afraid about a check on a5. But you do have the b-pawn going ahead.

Yes, it's not worth it just yet, right?

And we have that move, and Arjun instantly responds with the rook slide over. And now castling, get the king to safety. All right, so just a tiny, tiny opening edge for Pranish.

But nothing big, nothing big, nothing to talk.

सब ठीक है, सब चंगासी। I think for Arjun it's absolutely essential to get his light-squared bishop into the game as quickly as possible. You know, and because the white bishop is on c5, if you just highlight that, it means b6 and bishop b7 could potentially come with a tempo.

Man, Pranesh is not the guy who's looking for simple chess, Tanya. He is not going for castling; he's going for checkmate. यहाँ पे उसकी नजरें टिकी हैं ऑन द H7 स्क्वायर। That's a full प्रणेश का कलेश काइंड ऑफ़ अ मूव सागर। Queen H5 was not what I was expecting। प्रणेश is like, you know simple chess तो कोई भी खेल सकता है, but is there someone who can play aggressive chess? By the way, Tanya, we need to go to the icon board. Vishy is getting a kind of a Solid edge.

Let's go straight back. Let's ooh! What is this? A deep on on D six. अगर backtrack.

So G six, we saw it till here. MVL was like, "Let me fork you Vishy here," and then Vishy said, "I stop it." MVL goes all in. This is getting too wild, Tanya. MVL is trying to just take the battle to Vishy immediately. He doesn't even want to wait.

I love it, and maybe that is you know also again part of the plan that Vishy needs to spend time to counter this. Yes, this sort of a move. MVL right now is down a pawn, but look at the pawn that's gone up the board. It's reinforced the check on C7. The knight could land there at any moment, getting a pawn on the seventh rank.

But yeah, Tanya, ये move कितना सुंदर है। Vishy goes bishop E six, and now if you give a check. I simply take it, take it, and take your queen. You take it back with the rook, and I simply go Bishop g7, castle next move. And yes, your pawn is beautiful on the 7th rank, but it's not going anywhere. It's locked up completely.

And with the black knight jumping to d5, the rook coming to c8, that pawn is not surviving. Uh, all right, so no checks for MVL just yet. Vishy keeping it on the clock, keeping it on the position, up a pawn right now.

You know, Tanya, Vishy is known as the Madras Tiger, right? In this tournament, he is a bit hurt, you know, he has been, uh, injured, you can say. But if you provoke the tiger, it can go on the prowl and start hunting.

A wounded beast is a dangerous one, Sagar Shah. Bishop to e6 played. All right, now the question is, what can Maxime do to try to put in that compensation for the pawn that he's given? How does he continue with the initiative? Because, Sagar, I also see it's not easy to develop the kingside for Maxime. That pawn on e4 has taken away the most natural square for the white knight to come out.

Exactly. I think Maxime has taken a big enough risk that now there's no coming back, Tanya. He has to go in. He has to find creative ways, either give a check, either play something crazy like, I don't know, Knight h3, Knight g5. Go from here.

But that's the thing. If you take this kind of risk as Maxime Vachier-Lagrave with the white pieces, you're sitting on move seven. You cannot be the one trailing the clock by three minutes. I agree. I agree.

Right now, he's now sitting there and trying to figure out. Well, did I just overextend a bit too much? We'll see. We'll see what he manages to do here.

So for now, let's say that on this board, PBG Alaskan Knights and it's. It's a complicated position. Anything can happen. Too soon to call a result, of course, on this one. But Anand, the more comfortable of the two.

I agree.

On the clock and the board.

I agree.

Objectively.

Yes. Right now, looking good for Vishy Anand. Let's see if he manages to keep this going. Let's go to one board where the Czech Mumba Masters have some things going well for them. Which is the board number five between Carissa Yip and Nino Batsyashvili. If Carissa manages to beat Nino Tanya, that would be a big result.

It would be a big result, especially given how much of a scorer Nino has been for the Czech Mumba Masters. Exactly. So taking her down on that board, but we are far from that. I love what Carissa has created here. We see an opposite side castling of the king, so it's going to be a race to each other's king. Notice how Carissa's bishop on g3 does a fantastic defensive job of any weak pawns that are next to the white king, especially that tender f2 spot which is being x-rayed by the black bishop on a7. Meanwhile, Carissa is putting pressure on Nino's bishops.

Right.

One knight has moved forward. It's ready to jump to f5 if needed, but also the other knight is ready to jump to c4. Nino has overextended that a-pawn, Sagar. Which becomes a hook for an attack on that side. And usually when you have a hook, the attack is faster.

I agree, Tanya. That was great breakdown of the position, and it feels like Nino Batsyashvili has to play very carefully now. So if we think that Vishy Anand is doing well for the PBG Alaskan Knights, then Carissa Yip is pulling that one back for the Czech Mumba Masters. Now what is happening in the game? of the student and the teacher, the protégé and the mentor.

So we have a position that at first looks like it's in complete balance, but then I realized that Black has an extra pawn. Oh, on the queenside, do a quick math, it's 6 pawns to 5. So that means that Shakhriyar is playing for piece activity here. And what is that piece activity? 2 better-placed bishops. One at the center of the board, Sagar, eyeballing that f7 pawn, making sure the black rook remains passive. The other bishop, eye lining the a7 pawn, making sure the queen remains passive.

Right, but Tanya, I think, think about this. If the bishop comes here, it attacks, it attacks the rook, and then the f pawn is falling. So in a way, this one Yaz has to be very careful with his next move, what he chooses. He could try and trade this and go into a kind of equal-ish endgame.

And that's the advantage of having an extra pawn, like you say, that you can give it back to neutralize the pressure. So Yaz will have to find the exact timing of it when he is able to trade off those active bishops. We'll come back to this, but a dynamic balance in the position so far.

I think a lot will be decided in the next couple of moves. He does play bishop e six. Good move there by Yaz. Oh, by the way, moves happening very rapidly here. Bishop takes. I think he has to take with the queen.

Well, the position feels like it's liquidating. You take with the queen. You have to watch out with the a seven pawn hanging. Exactly.

Look at this. Take, take. Isn't this kind of better for white? You move your rook and I take this one as well.

Rook f seven.

Ah, very smart, Tanya. There you have the move. Rook to f7. I have to take, and once I move my bishop, you'll take this pawn and shake hands.

Well, this one feels like it's fizzling out, but other positions are sizzling out, Sagar. So let's do a quick look into our Prodigy board. Bardiya versus Abhimanyu Mishra, and again, the bar remains in the balance, but the position is full of life.

Exciting. Opposite side castling once more. Here, and Abhimanyu goes and takes the rook.

He takes the rook. I want to highlight a strategic factor in this game. Everyone watching should take account of the pawn formation that we have. It's 4 versus 3 on the left flank for Abhimanyu, but with 2 doubled pawns on that c-file, which means that it's going to be very difficult to create a passer long-term or get these pawns rolling up the board. On the other hand, for Bhartiya, the 4 versus 3 on the right flank, Sagar, Gives him a long-term flexibility, mobility with those pawns to push them ahead. And I think that's why I would prefer to play with white in this position.

Right. The only thing here, Tanya, is that the central pawns could become potentially weak at some point with some attacks here. So let's see how Abhimanyu plays. He trades another pair of rooks, and the bar slowly inches upwards a bit.

And I want to again push back on that point. The more pieces that get traded off, everyone watching just visualize a king and pawn endgame or a minor piece endgame. If the queens come off, I think Bardia will be happy to get the queens off the board simply because again the pawns that you have four versus three on the right side as white are far more powerful than Abhimanyu's on the left.

Yeah, yeah, true Tanya. This is looking exciting even though pieces are coming off. There's an imbalance. And we can hope for a decisive result coming in here. Maybe, as you said, the Czech Mumba Masters can be slightly more happy.

Whoa! Let's go to the icon board.

There seems to be lot of action happening here. Look at this, Tanya. MVL jumps with his knight to the side of the board. Vishy, instead of trying to take this knight off. Or stop it with h6. Goes for knight d5, a mistake. And now MVL comes in here, attacks the rook. He's like, Vishy, if you play your pawn here, I'm ready to create complete chaos on the board. Guys, what did MVL have in mind? This has not happened in the game. We can have the analysis board here. White to play, Tanya.

What do you do?

I think I know exactly what you want, and I, I feel that this is what Vishy missed when he went in with the knight to the center of the board. Sagar, it was avoided, but at this moment, notice the bishop pinning the rook, and you jump in with your knight attacking the other bishop on the board. Knight g5, and I'm sure the chat was on top of it.

Yes.

Getting this move, you pick up that bishop. Knight takes bishop is game over. You pick up that knight, bishop takes rook is game over. And I think Vishy realized that just a little too late and was forced to actually sidestep with the rook to a very ugly square, which means there's going to be no castling, no king safety to be found on that flank.

Right. And now MVL's strategy suddenly starts to make sense. You see, the bishop can now come out, Tanya, attacking the knight in the center. All of a sudden, Vishy is looking on the big screen, he's like, oh my God, You know, I just kind of missed a move, but the game is not that bad for him just yet.

It's just a very complex position, that's all. And I think the point is that it becomes slightly more difficult for Vishy now, having to be forced to make that move, right, with the king stuck in center. Easier piece play. Notice how you can't take the pawn on d6 right now, I believe, because the knight on d5 is hanging.

Correct, this is hanging here on d5.

But Tanya, what do you do now?

You— if you move your knight away, the bishop could hang behind. It's not so simple.

Not an easy spot. And again, that means Vishy will be forced to spend some time finding a move, Sagar.

Right, and he should take his time here. He is ahead on the clock by couple of minutes. Key game here for the PBG Alaskan Knights. And if Tanya, you have a move, yeah, that you want to share.

Tiger, I just took a peek at the engine and the top engine move blows my mind. I'm even scared to suggest it.

Let's, let's show it to our viewers because many times, yes, they, they do not kind of look at a square which is already being attacked by a pawn.

Tiger, I would not have had this as a candidate move if you asked me, Tanya, what are your top 5 first instant moves in this position. And I think if Vishy finds this and plays this, I'm just gonna tip my non-existent hat, my proverbial hat right now. And the best move in this position, chat, is to retreat that knight that is hanging to a square that's being attacked by the pawn. It's tactics galore everywhere.

Mm-hmm.

If White picks up that knight, you trade the queens with a check, and at the end of it, once the dust settles, you'll pick up the bishop on c4. And again, we've spoken about this, Sagar, that in the endgame, that c7 pawn will be a weakness for white. Correct. Even though it looks extremely strong.

Yeah, beautiful line that was.

So do you think he plays it? Do you think Vishy plays knight dc7?

This knight to c7 has other options, Tanya. Jumping with the knight here into another territory where it's defended twice, or here. But he has to do perhaps one of of those moves if he wants to be safe here.

So he has to rely on the tactics of the bishop face-off. You jump your knight— let's highlight that knight which is under attack. Let's highlight the queen and the bishop putting pressure on that central knight. You need to save this knight with tactics relying on the 2 bishops that are aligned against each other. So find a square, Vishy. And also, he needs to do that keeping the clock in mind.

Yes, and he's almost gone down. Yeah, he's gone down below MVL's time. So Vishy taking his time here, Tanya, about what to play. And meanwhile, good news for the Czech Mumba Masters. Carissa Yip has a huge advantage against Nino Batsyashvili while the other games are equal.

Well, one game that looks extremely equal, and we won't go there because we're not missing out on any action, Shakhriyar versus Erdogmen.

That will be a draw soon.

It feels like that, Sagar, that that might even be the first to finish. Yes. I want to quickly go over to Pranesh versus Arjun. You know, we've been talking about their feisty chess, and I don't think this game disappoints.

Right. Well, somehow Pranesh hasn't found the time to castle, and I think he may not find the time to do that because look at this move. He's taken on d4, Tanya. If you take here, I'll I'll simply pick up the pawn in the center of the board. So—

Can I just request you to do a quick action replay from Queen h5 and take us through just to understand how we even got there?

So Arjun pushed his pawn forward, pawn to e5, bishop came back to e3, queen check, bishop dropped back even further, queen came in, bishop c3, and now the knight jumped in And this is where we are. The bishop took the knight, and Arjun is thinking for his move here.

And it's tempting to take with the pawn. I'm just wondering— oh, you want to take this pawn? I was thinking take the bishop with the pawn, but Sagar Shah— but you know, then you are just a pawn down here, and that's the problem. It's a problem, but if I can stop your king from getting to safety, it will not be a problem.

Hmm, maybe, maybe this is what Arjun is analyzing right now, whether to take here, take here. Too many options here for Arjun Erigaisi.

And it doesn't stop there. You could pick up the bishop in 2 different ways. You could pick up the central pawn in one way. You could also hit the white queen, just do an in-between, very Arjun-esque move with g6, pushing the queen away before you take anything. Yes, lots of decisions here.

Tough moment here for Arjun because Pranesh looks confident. He is bringing out his bottle of water. You know, we we've been doing this joke always that whenever Prag thinks he's winning, he brings out his bottle of water. And Pranesh comes from the same academy as Pragmananda.

Yes, and Arjun getting ready.

He takes on E four. That's I think one of the best moves in the position. You can expect Arjun to navigate these complexities well.

And why this works is that if you capture that pawn as white with bishop takes pawn, you can't rush with picking up the bishop on d4, Sagar, because the h7 is tender. So I think Arjun plans to kick that queen out. लात मार के भगा दो। g6 on the board will be played, and only then he'll go on to capture that bishop.

Correct. It has happened. This is happening on the board right now, and well. Arjun and Pranesh are also equal, kind of, Tanya. This game could also end in a draw.

It's equal as long as Pranesh can get castling done on the next move.

He'll do it.

And I don't see a way to stop it. You know, you take that bishop, you castle, and you're not really worried about that tender spot on b2. Sagar, let's just show that line quickly. Queen takes bishop, short castle, queen takes pawn, line up your rook against the queen. And there is a soft spot on b7 that you'll go on to win as well. So it feels like everything is about to get traded off, and we are getting some breaking news that actually Vishy found one of the best moves in the position.

Wow, let's go to Vishy's board.

Sagar, crazy things are happening.

Wow, Vishy did find the move knight to f4. Well done, Vishy, that is incredible. He spotted it, and he took on f4, which is a mistake, Tanya. And now, after bishop takes, the knight is hanging, and MVL goes d takes e7. But the complexities are so much, Tanya, that Vishy has to burn his clock. He has to figure out take on e7, take on d1. करना क्या है?

Wow! Yeah, this is such a complicated middle game right now.

Okay, सब position है ना सब pieces ऐसे standard. Weirdly pawn e7 तक पहुंच गया rook g8. If someone asked you to recreate this position, it might be difficult to do that.

You've got a black pawn on the seventh, a white pawn even on the seventh rank by the time it's moved twelve. Mysteriously Vishy's rook has landed on g8. Yes, it's a position you cannot understand if you just put this as it is on the board. And now, Sagar, I'm just thinking, what are the— and Vishy has taken the best move, Bishop takes e7, but it's also the most human move in the position. Yes, and the knight comes back instantly by MVL. He's putting pressure on Vishy's bishop.

How many pawns is Vishy up, Tanya? One pawn up, right?

One pawn. It's 7 to 6.

And do you see, he can win another Queen takes queen, rook takes. Yes.

And then this little pawn on the side is hanging. That's brave, Sagar, because usually that's the poison pawn. Yes. And you have to make sure that your bishop doesn't get trapped.

E3.

Pass गया। And I'm just wondering what tactics exist in the position, because I do see that it it works. And in this position, Vishy has to calculate. It takes a lot of guts to go into this line because that pawn is a mousetrap. Yeah. Yes, you know, you get the mouse in and then you shut the door down with b3, and that bishop stays there forever. By the way, queen takes queen has been played. Vishy is going for the second pawn.

Okay, will he take it or will he just safely go back? I think he has to take it.

Sagar, he's reaching for the bishop.

Oh, takes it! Bishop takes a2 on the board. Vishy is fearless right now.

He's gonna trap that bishop. b3 will happen on the board, and Vishy has seen that Once the knight lands on the spot you highlighted, that bishop is safe. And currently, for the PBG Alaskan Knights, it's 2 extra pawns on the icon board.

Tanya, but let's just show our viewers that after, let's say, Knight b4, which has been played, what if I attack your bishop here? The point is, the bishop is protected.

And there's no easy way to actually kick that knight out. And I see you can push the c-pawn, Sagar, but black has the idea of kicking out the white knight at the right moment.

Look at the tactic, Tanya. Bishop takes pawn.

I'll take your bishop, thank you very much.

g5, you have to move your knight, and then knight check, and I win your bishop.

Are you trying to tell me that if MVL puts his rook in the most Most natural human move, trying to get to Vishy's bishop.

He's in trouble. He's lost.

Vishy will win his 3rd pawn in this position.

Yes.

And it's a forcing line is what it feels like. You take that pawn, you kick the knight, you give a check, you win the bishop.

Can Vishy believe in himself here? That's the biggest thing, because he has a great position. He just— he doesn't see the bar, guys. He doesn't know whether he's winning or not.

Vishy is the bar. He doesn't need it, Sagar. He's gone. He's picked up that pawn. Yeah, he saved it with his knight. He's played it to absolute accuracy, this position.

I agree, he's playing really well. And MVL, is he going Knight d5? Best move played by Maxime. Of course, the thing about these top players is that the resistance is very high.

So what MVL's plan is that once the knights get traded off, now all Maxime needs is get the king out of the way and the other rook Will slide over to trap the bishop. All the action again for everyone watching is on that A file, Sagar. It is this bishop. The question: Will Vishy's bishop survive? Can he find a way back home?

If the bishop can survive, Vishy wins this. If it cannot, then he might even lose this game. Very tough for Vishy. Maybe he's going for A five A four.

He was reaching out for his A pawn, Sagar. Plays it.

It's a good move there. And by the way, on the second board, Tanya, we have Carissa Yip and Nino Batsyashvili. And the nice thing about this is that Carissa is completely winning with the white pieces. The Czech Mumba Masters are ready to strike against the best player of the PBG Alaskan Knights.

But it's on the icon boards that the Alaskan Knights are fighting for that 4-pointer right now. That black win comes with a premium. So Carissa under a lot of pressure to get the conversion in on this one. And Sagar, you're saying that this position, huge advantage. We see the bar, but I'm still trying to understand why is it this so big for white? You mean in the Carissa game? Yes, on our right side of the screen.

Yeah, I mean just the fact that the black king looks a bit exposed, Tanya. That's the main thing that I feel, but it is complex. It's not clear yet.

Tiger Maxime on the left side jumped in with the knight. There are forks in the air, and Vishy has to be extremely careful.

F6 allowing a knight check so that the king can go to this little square on the side. Vishy is playing brilliantly, and this has been the case in this tournament. He's played well until he has two two minutes on the clock, and he's already down to five minutes fifty five seconds, Tanya.

He's kept it on the clock, and Katty mentioned this earlier when she joined us that you know Vishy knows he can't afford to go low on the clock against these against this generation. No, for sure. They will flag him. Absolutely. And he will panic in those moments.

I agree. He has to somehow say to himself, "I have only three minutes left. Play fast, play fast." That's the only way. He has five minutes fifty five seconds, but a great move by Vishy. Let's just look at. If you give me a check, my king moves to the side. And if you pick up the rook, I'll take this. And when you save your bishop, let's say you go back here, I play a4, Tanya. And look at this bishop suddenly coming to life, and it is a huge advantage to black.

If your bishop gets out of that spot, then you're just 2 extra pawns with a winning endgame. It'll be a matter of conversion. Now on our right side, Of the screen, Karissa Yip for the Mumbai Masters is doing everything right, Sagar. You know, she's managed to have a better pawn formation, everything healthy once again. Pawns are compact right now. The knight's doing a beautiful job of defending the white king as well. And meanwhile, for Nino, she's struggling on the home rank.

The rook and the knight not coordinated. No, and nothing's working out right now for Nino Batsashvili.

I just I want to point out one threat that Nino has on her radar, and how does she make it work? I'm not sure. The black queen landing on h3 is a spot that you have to always be careful about if you're Carissa, but right now it doesn't really work. White has enough defenses.

I want to ask our viewers, how does this look, you know, when there are 2 boards on the screen? Chess in itself is quite complex when there's one board, but we are here analyzing 2 boards. Do you like it or not? This is wild because there's so much action happening, Tanya. We have to keep moving here and there. And meanwhile, MVL has managed to get equality here by picking up few of Vishy's pawns. But the good news for Vishy fans is that maybe this game will end in a draw.

I, I'm not sure if that's good news, right? Because having 2 extra pawns, you'd want the PBG Alaskan Knights to push on the icon board. I agree. I think at the start of the game, if you say Vishy draws with Maxime, great result the PBG Alaskan Knights fight on the other boards. But with the way the opening went and having 2 extra pawns, and now those pawns do not exist anymore, it's 4 versus 4. Vishy's bishop still needs to be a little careful, and I'm just wondering, has Vishy let slip of a massive opportunity here?

Big opportunity missed. But Tanya, I, I was getting already worried about the time pressure setting in, and I think now the position has simplified enough that Vishy can hold this to a draw. I think it will be a draw, most likely.

All right, well, with this one ending in a draw on the Icon Board, Sagar, can we do a 6th board? You're talking about 1 board, 2 boards. You know what, our audience now are chess experts. Yes, let's bring on our bird's-eye view and do a quick roundup of what the action for these 2 teams are.

The result of this match is clear. There are going to be 5 draws and Carissa Yip is going to win. That's what the bars are saying right now, you know. 5 equal games and Karissa Yip slaying it on the 5th board. Where is the point coming for PBG Alaskan Knights?

I love that short and sweet summary that you just gave. Top row, everything in balance. In fact, all the queens are off the board on that top row. We're already in endgame territory. Bottom row, also both boards in balance. Only the Prodigy board is the one I say where, Sagar, anything can happen. The bar is in The middle in that, but Bardia versus Abhimanyu. Abhimanyu down to two and a half minutes. Look at the queen and the knight, the white pieces arriving towards the black king. But that means that's another check Mumba Masters advantage.

Yes, the more games that end in equality, they are going to bank on the fifth board Karisaiyep to score and then win the match.

And potentially the the sixth board as well.

Yeah.

सागर, right now it's looking good. Yeah, अभिमन्यु has an extra pawn. It's five versus four. But look at the knight, pawn, and queen bottom right. True. It looks very dangerous for the black king.

Correct. Meanwhile, Tanya, let's head over to the second board between Arjun and Pranesh because there the action is heating up. Maybe it's going to be end in a draw. Yes, it is a draw. Pranesh has managed to hold Ajubai, the Gandhivam there. And so the score is now 1-1 in this match.

And top center board, that was of ours. We saw the trades happen. And Sagar, it's impossible to survive the checks here. The rook would do up and down. And it looks like Pranesh, Arjun had the extra exchange, but in the end it doesn't matter because you can't pick up the bishop. The rook was hanging. So a draw. And another result coming in.

Oh my God, it's, it's a draw on Harika and Katrina Lagnu board. But let's go to the Aikun board. It seems like MVL is pushing Tanya. Look at that, the knight is going towards the pawn. The rook is active. Is Vishy going to lose this?

And Sagar, look at Vishy get fidgety now. You know, you can see it. He's feeling the pressure from a position where you're up 2 pawns. Your king is offside, your bishop and rook on the other side. g-pawn is about to fall as well. He is down a pawn. He rushes his king back to the side where the action is. But is he going to have enough time? I'm not sure.

I don't think so. I don't think that Vishy is going to be able to save this because it's a clear extra pawn. And Tanya, when all the pawns are on one side of the board, the knight becomes a superior piece over the bishop.

Yes, and that's the scenario on our left side of our screen right now. From being down 2 pawns, Maxime Vachier-Lagrave for the Czech Mumba Masters has somehow managed to cash in and collect all of Vishy's pawns in And is up 1 right now. Vishy has to find a trick to save this endgame. It's not going to be easy. Sagar, these are the 2 games which I believe will decide the match.

True, true, Tanya. And the Czech Mumba Masters are looking like the favorites right now because if MVL scores a win and also Carissa Yip, that's 6 extra points. And none of the games are actually looking in the favor of the PBG Alaskan Knights. They have nothing going their way.

And right now for Carissa Yip, she's been on the advantage from the start and has never let it slip. But watch out, Nino being very tricky. She set up an x-ray on that diagonal, which Carissa Yip disconnects, puts her rook in the middle of the queen and the king so that her other rook is free.

Tanya, imagine that the game of Carissa ends in a draw.

Then we would we could have potentially six draws today, and that has almost felt. Like an impossibility right now. But let's see what this has in store. Sagar, Karissa will have to blunder. Look at how fast they're going. Let's go full screen on these two players, both down to their final seconds. Let's get, let's get them. And we have Karissa lost on time. Yes, exactly.

Karissa lost on time. Insane turnaround. Nino Batsyashvili has gotten the win. Oh my God, Tanya, I can't believe this.

Unbelievable, Sagar. You could see her trying to scramble to get the moves in from a winning position. Carissa Yip gets flagged and it feels like fortunes are turning around. The PBG Alaskan Knights get a 4-pointer on that board.

Right, but Vishy Anand is right now lost at this point. He is in trouble. So which means that if Carissa Yip— those 3 points which were I think for sure for the Czech Mumbai Masters has turned around. MVL must win this game. Can he do it, Tanya? This is the big question. Can MVL beat Vishy? Even then they will be one point down in the match. My God, Nino Batsyashvili! Is it impossible to beat her in GCL? It really feels like that.

No matter which team she's playing for, she's gonna be your hot scorer right there. By the way, Vishy goes into A pure rook and pawn ending, but Sagar, that g6 pawn will also fall. It's the h pawn that becomes a pawn.

Oh, it's a draw?

Yes, it's a draw, Sagar, because of the two double.

No way, Tanya! I thought it's losing.

Practically, anything can happen. Yes. Technically, the computer at least says it's a draw.

And Sagar, maybe Vishy knows it.

It's a draw, and that's why maybe he went into it.

You know, cuts the king. He Cut the king, Tanya, so that the white—

see what she did? He just puts the pieces on the side, leans back. It's like, I know how this is drawn, MVL. I know exactly. He brings the king closer to the other side. Let's go full screen on the players for just a moment because I do think those are the final few moments of that game, Sagar. Yeah. And let's have that other angle where we can keep an eye on the clocks as well. 20 under 30 seconds.

Well, if PBG Alaskan Knights are leading and Vishy is getting a draw, Erdogmus is in trouble. He's pawn down in the endgame somewhere. Somewhere, you know, the points need to come for the Czech Mumba Masters.

Sagar, let's have both our boards then because it really comes down to these two matches. I think this one Vishy looks confident. He's got about two and a half minutes on the clock. Let's also have Erdogmus on our.

स्क्रीन या बट दैट थ्री वर्सेस टू इस अ ड्रॉन एंड गेम तानिया बट याज हैज ओनली हैज ओनली टेन सेकंड्स हैज ओनली टेन सेकंड्स इट्स थ्री वर्सेस टू एंड टू वर्सेस वन या ऑन द अदर साइड ओ बाय द वे इट्स एफएनएच पॉन्स दिस कैन बी वेरी डिफिकल्ट इन द विशी गेम बिकॉज़ टू पॉन Good or bad, I just need to do this. Come on! What a match we have, guys! Six-two is the score in the favor of PBG Alaskan Knights right now. But MVL can score a win. Maybe Mamedyarov.

Oh, he's winning! He's winning! Maxime Vachier-Lagrave with under twenty seconds. A winning rook pawn ending. So hard to stay precise with black in these ones. Technically was a draw, but from a human perspective, so hard to. And Sagar, now the f-pawn will keep moving forward, assisted by the king. And I think Vishy, he was supposed to keep the king in front of the other pawn.

It's so difficult, Tanya. He must have studied this endgame several times, but when you do it under pressure, you often forget what's the way to do it.

And you have to decide where you put the king. And I've studied it about 1 million times and I have no recollection of it. So try doing that with the spotlight on you and 2 minutes on the clock.

And MVL is like, I'm winning now. Where is our one more win coming? Maybe Shakhriyar Mamedyarov does it on the right side.

We've got one win for the PPG Alaskan Knights and 2 draws so far. Leading are the Knights with a score of 6-2.

Yes, yes, 6-2 is the score right now, and MVL is winning. Let's go, let's go full screen on the Vishy board. I think, Tanya, that's going to end now. Vishy is coming down on the clock. He knows he's going to lose this one. Vishy Anand.

Oh, did you see the panic on the board behind us? Bardia barely getting a move in on that one. Maxime looking very chill. I think he knows it, that now the draw is in the past. Yes, this is a winning position. And Sagar, the plan is that Maxime will push that f-pawn, you know, forward. Yes, that's the winning.

But MVL is not even interested in his game. He's just looking elsewhere.

But he's got 16 seconds on the clock. At some point he needs to And Vishy, I think, knows it that this is now gone out of control. He picks up one pawn. Maxime pushes that f pawn. He's going to next get his king out of the way and push it further ahead. Vishy with 44 seconds on the clock now. He needs a big mistake by MVL to save this endgame. That's not happening, Tanya.

MVL knows this endgame. He has studied it, and this is easy for him. This is lost. MVL will get three points for the Czech Mumba Masters. The score will become five six. They need one more win from somewhere.

So if the king just goes to the G file and you push the pawn, there's nothing to be done here. Yes. You can get your black king closer to the pawn, but I think Vishy he's gonna make one more move. But he will realize that after the rook gives a check, it's game over. Right. He's panicking right now. He's trying to find those defenses, but it doesn't. Exist. It's not happening here. Ten seconds for Vishy.

Oh, and a draw in Yas Khan and Shakriyar.

A dogmas that Rook One ending has ended in draw. Four seconds for Vishy. Vishy play. Vishy play.

He gets his king and plays with one second, but Rook goes back, and now he's going to lose on time. He loses on time, and MVL wins here, which means. It's 5-6-7 is the score. Now go to the last board that's happening, Tanya. Dhaneshwar Bardiya and Abhimanyu Mishra. Abhimanyu scores the win because Dhaneshwar Bardiya was lost there, which means that the PBG Alaskan Knights have won this match with a score of 6-11.

And look at him cracking his knuckles. After getting that win, it was on Abhimanyu Mishra. The heartbreak that happened yesterday for the PBG Alaskan Knights, and he redeems himself. He redeems his team, Sagar. After three straight losses, it is Abhimanyu Mishra, the man who went down yesterday, who clutches it for the Knights.

I can't believe the trajectory of this match, Tanya. It was insane. All the boards where it seemed like the other team was doing well got converted for the PBG Alaskan Knights. And you can see Karisai, she's so upset with herself. If only she wouldn't have lost on time, her team would have won this.

And Sagar, she was the one player who got the biggest advantage from the opening, and you can see it on her right now. It would have been a totally different match had she not gotten flagged. And after getting That momentum by Nino, who almost seems like no matter what happens, she keeps winning. And for an update, we go live to Good evening.

I request everyone to be there, please.

It's the time for us to declare the results of the round which we just completed between Chess Mumba Masters and PPB Alaska Knights.

Chess Mumba scored six points and PBG Alaska Knights scored eleven points. Hence, PBG Alaska won. Congratulations! I request the team captains please come to the dais for signing the match card. Thank you.

Thank you. What a storyline this has been, Sagar! A match that had both of us on the edge of our seats. What we've just witnessed has been nothing short of spectacular. And honestly, my heart right now goes out to Abhimanyu Mishra.

Yeah, well done, Abhimanyu Mishra, here. And this match is so confusing for Vishy, right? He loses his game, he looks up, and his team has won.

Yes, and that's got to be a good feeling for the PBG Laskin Knights. They started well, lost 3 straight games, and then coming back with this big win, Sagar. And again, it just puts them right back in the race, right back in the mix. And we've got a very special surprise for everyone in our studio.

Yes, we have someone truly, truly special joining us. I don't think you would ever be able to guess who that person is. Let's give it up for the one and only Prakhar Gupta.

Guys, am I in heaven? Is this what heaven looks like? I'm telling you, for 5-year-old Prakhar, this is what heaven looks like. I'm so glad to be here. This is such an exciting— like, my energy is 3x since I've gotten here. This is fantastic.

Hi. Huh. All the things that you've done here after coming here. Yeah. Can you tell our viewers what all have you done?

Um, I have forced सहज तू मेक हिस पुशअप्स हैपन। अरे किया क्या उसने? नो, नहीं, नहीं किया। मैं धक्का लगा रहा हूँ, but कहीं ना कहीं पहुँचेंगे। I said now twelve because he's been late. Right. Then I have walked around here, given a lot of people some pictures and videos. And then there is something that has happened that I'm not allowed to talk about. I've cracked a few jokes. That also. But yes, I'm not allowed to talk about it. Not allowed to talk about it. People will discover in their due time.

So there'll be a big reveal about it.

Is it big? Depends on what you what you mean, Baba. Yeah, huge, huge by Prakash standard.

Huge. And that's saying something after everything that's been happening on your channel lately, Prakash. I want to ask you, you know, from COB to GCL, it's been quite a journey. Yes. How was your experience inside the arena watching the match? I haven't been yet.

Oh, you haven't been yet? I have to go. But if this is the trailer, the movie has to be fantastic, right? I've just gotten here. I did the first job I had to do, and then. And since then, we've just been figuring out what's happening. Gaurav bhai has been taking me around.

How was that job that you did? Um, in one word.

Um, what is one word for a nuclear bomb? Explosive. Explosive. Explosive. Explosive is good. Explosive. Sorry for a podcaster, I don't have many words, you know.

Guys, something huge is cooking here, and you will know it in due course. But Tanya, this tournament is also taking Brilliant turns and twists, Prakhar bhai.

Vishy Anand. Yeah. Look, I get it. Once you're free day president, your priorities are kind of different. But it's it's just like growing up thinking of him as my hero to see a tough tournament on him is a little heartbreaking. When we did that tier list also, I said you know this team is out and out my favorite. But it doesn't change the fact that a legend's always a legend. And he's going to come back in the next tournament better than anybody else. So like, I'm— it's hard to watch him lose. It really is. Especially the last game, he played so well. That position was so complex and he managed to defend it somehow. Um, but I guess time's probably different, you know. Uh, there's a little bit of that.

Form is temporary, class is permanent. I think Vishy will 1000% come back, Prakhar. And I want to talk to you also about, you know, coming into this, you've spoken about he's your hero. What's These players in action. We had the players walk in earlier. The PPG Alaskan Knights, your hero did lose, but the team went on to crush it.

Abhimanyu Mishra, fantastic!

Did you see what happened yesterday to him? No. It was one of the most dramatic moments that we've ever seen in chess right now. We're just quickly reliving the moments from this previous match. The Czech Mumba Masters had had an earlier loss against the Pipers, coming looking for their win against a team That had been struggling, and Sagar, the icon board. It was all eyes on the matchup between Maxime Vachier-Lagrave and Vishy Anand. Vishy Anand going two extra pawns out of the opening, but then once again incredible quality of play. But the clock was not his friend.

And I think kudos to Maxime for continuously trying in that game and getting that score. You know that win for himself. But meanwhile, Abhimanyu Mishra. And Nino Batsya Shwili, Prakhar bhai. Nino was lost totally, but won on time.

Yeah, I've been hearing very good stuff about Nino. I haven't really followed a lot of her chess, but I've been hearing she's playing fantastic in this tournament, right?

TCL bhai, उनका tournament है कोई भी team में जाए वो जीतते ही जाती है। अच्छा। She's too good.

But by the way, the turnout outside. Yes. Yeah, fantastic. Wait, today is a weekday.

If you come on a weekend, there's no space. Wow. Have you got a Yeah, a little bit.

But, uh, honestly, you know, so my first early— one of my earliest memories from chess is a tournament where I was mobbing Vishy. In that tournament, like, tugging at his pants, like I wanted a signature. So it feels like a full circle moment, you know what I'm saying? Like, I mean, the Williamson board just doesn't cut it.

And we saw the heartbreak moment when Vishy lost on time. It almost felt like Maxime did not want to point to him. His clock, but he was winning on the board as well. You know, squeeze that that rook and pawn endgame, and at the end, the PBG Alaskan Knights get the win 11 to 6 against the Czech Mumba Masters. Coming back to us right now, Prakhar. Again, you know, we were talking about Abhimanyu Mishra. You said for you, he was sort of the player of this match, the moment. Yeah, right. And yesterday, he had one of the most heartbreaking moments. In three seconds, he had to promote a queen. He had to take his opponent's piece on the last rank. And put his own piece there, and he wasn't able to do it in time. He got flagged in a completely winning position. He made the winning move and lost on time, and his team lost because of that. Oh wow! So it's not only C.O.B. जहाँ पे drama होता है, G.C.L. में भी होता है. We will come back with Prakhar, but first let's go to Arohi to reveal our player of the match.

Hello and welcome to the post-match presentation ceremony. Now when We promise you drama, we deliver it. Pick any match and you will get some of it, but here it was just sprinkled all over. Let's call upon the winners of this game. It is the PBT Alaska Knights!

Woo!

It was a crucial game for you today, and 3 wins, 3 losses so far. Now when you go on to play the last 4 games of the tournament, how confident does the team look?

I mean, we'll just have to take our chances every day.

That's all you can do.

So far so good. You're known to be the comeback knights, and y'all have done it this season as well. And as I was talking to the coach as well at the tosses and then the color exchanges, this team knows how to make a comeback. So now that you all are not on the lower half of the leaderboard, I think it just gets easier to make that comeback, get into the top two at the end of the league stage.

Well, if we knew how to do it, we wouldn't be mixing in the losses.

Well, well said. Abhimanyu, I will come to you. I will come to you. Can you? Can you please give it to Nino? Nino, I have one question for you. Nino, let somebody else win, no? How do you do it every time?

I don't know, it's just happening.

Talk us through your game today. I mean, you got the first win for the team and then the team followed. Like, that was one confidence that probably the players needed to get in those extra wins.

Yeah, it was very complicated game and the position was very tough for me because I have bad position, but she took a lot of time in some point and after it Well, congratulations on this win today.

Now let's move on to the giving out the Player of the Match award. And to give that, may I please call upon Mr. Gaurav Rakshit, the League Commissioner. The Player of the Match award goes to Abhimanyu Mishra. अबे मान्यू, there was one moment yesterday and then there was one moment today. Yesterday we went from this to this. Today we're back to this.

How does it feel? Yeah, it feels quite nice. Our team needed this, especially both matches yesterday.

yesterday were very close and we honestly deserved to win both.

First one, whatever happened was ridiculous on my end. I mean, this is like 1 in 10,000 scenario where unfortunately I just could not make the move.

And the second match also, we were very close to winning.

We just needed half a point. Unfortunately, we couldn't pull it off. And yeah, we decided that— I mean, we had a team meeting yesterday. We were just talking over things and we decided that, okay, The start hasn't been amazing, but there's still time to turn it around, as we showed today that we're able to make a comeback.

As you did today. But what helped you take your mind off yesterday's moment and come back today, perform so well, win it?

The main thing was that whatever happened with Leon, this is not my chess incapability.

This was, this was like, whatever you call it, like making the move.

Like, this is like some kind of, some kind of external factor.

So I've been— me as well as my teammates have been trusting in our play overall, and it really helped that actually Nino won. And I saw this on, uh, I saw this on the board, and I used this to leverage my opponent into a draw at some point. Like, I just, I allowed a repetition, and he saw that one of their members had lost with white, so the pressure was on him to, to win. And this paid off because I managed to, I managed to simplify things and win the game.

And a perfect Perfect win. Thank you so much because you entertained all of us, be it yesterday, be it today. The spectators were on the edge of their seats, and congratulations for this win today.

Thank you. I'd much rather things be like today than yesterday.

Definitely. Going ahead, let's see more of today's than probably yesterday's.

Will do. Thank you.

Please give it up for the PBG Alaska Knights as they win today's game. 4 more games to come for them, but as of now, let's head back to the casters.

We have the final And that's twice in a row that the PBG Alaska Knights have defeated the Czech Mumba Masters with the exact same scoreline, 11-6. And I think if anyone wanted to see a smile on a player's face, I think everybody was rooting for Abhimanyu Mishra.

And did you see— it felt to me like Vishy and Abhimanyu were looking like, you know, Abhimanyu looked like a younger version of Vishy there. Very interesting observation.

Very interesting observation. Yeah, it still sucks to see him sad. Seeing Vishy sad is not.

Prakhar, I know you were very excited to meet Vishy, but after Vishy, who is the other player who you've been really wanting to meet at GCL? Magnus.

Magnus is an interesting character to meet, I would say. Let me think. I think Sindarov.

Why do you? Why do you say he's interesting? What about him?

He's just— in what sport do you see a dominance that's so far and above almost everybody else for a decade, right? And then I've heard him talk in conversations and interviews.

The way he thinks—

all chess players think in a very methodical, mathematical way, right? He is even more like just very cut-to-cut that way. I'm also very curious about Sindarov because I want to know what he's eating these days. This kind of a form you don't really see, and I want to see if I can just like slightly scare him. कुछ तो कुछ तो करेंगे। We need a psychological edge here.

So, भाई उनको podcast पे बुला लो। Sindarov को डरा दूँ?

कोई ऐसे दो-चार सवाल पूछके रचरा बोलेगा क्या कर रहा है? रचरा बाद में बोलेगा hey ये मत कर। No, but I'm a huge fan. Like I've never seen a candidate's route like that. Right, right. Like for me honestly, so I've met Anish and Vidit once in London. Right, and Vidit I've known a long time. Which is like a friend, but even then seeing you were the one who announced that Vidit will play really well here, and he's doing it. उसका फोन भी आ रहा है पीछे से. Thank you बोलने के लिए.

चार फोन आ चुके हैं विदित के.

ये आ तो क्या बोला तूने ऐसा? But you know watching Levon or Nepo walk past, how do I explain what it feels like for somebody who's played chess all his life? And watch them on a screen. All my life I've been fan. I watch all your guys' stream. I know Sahaj's voice like the back. My wife knows Sahaj's voice like the back of her head. क्योंकि वो भी कहती है क्या लगा के सोता रहता है यार तू? She knows Hikaru's voice like she's like oh it's that guy. So for me watching chess is like watching sports. That's that's what I watch. So it's just an opportunity. Huge huge huge.

And as someone who's played chess and been a fan of the game primarily continues to be that. What does it mean for you to see how far chess has come? That we are seeing a league like this, Prakhar. I'll tell you a fact.

When I was a kid and we'd play chess in school and we'd compete, we were looked down upon, right? Like in school, you're like, "Hey, why do you play chess? This is nerdy." Ha, कौन है बैठ के? Like look, come play athletic sports with us. I saw that transformation happen after COVID. We're like, "Oy, तू तो बड़ा अच्छा खेलता है भाई. अरे तू यार क्या?

ऐसे कैसे करते हैं?" भाई मेरा दोस्त है तू. हाँ.

अच्छा एक बार समय को बोलेगा हाय मेरी तरफ से. So like I have seen that change happen, and not just in India but abroad with Queen's Gambit and all that. Now it's the thing like I when I travel after I'm done recording and doing my business, I go to the place where there's a chessboard, and there's somebody sitting there, people with cameras, people making noise. It's it's activity. And the other day, you know, the guy who does a lot of the cleaning work at my office, I saw him playing. I was like full penetration of chess. हाँ आपने तो directly उसको promotion दे दिया रहेगा। हाँ हाँ उसको मैंने बोला अगली बार तू भी C O B। By the way, आपका rating कितना हो गया है?

Where are you right now with your own chess strength?

On Chesscom, I think I last month or last to last month I was peaking at 1980-2000. Wow! Very strong, Prakhar. Yeah, because then I was also training with Sahil ना कि कुछ तो करना है like. So I will tell you my best vacation over the last year and a half has been C O B. Because it was a chess camp. I was with a chess coach and we are learning and even though it was Like four days. Amazing, amazing. So for me, and then I think FIDE I'm 1570, 1580 something like that. But it hasn't been updated.

FIDE rated? I was not sure about that.

Yeah, wow. I didn't know they updated some points, added some points to my FIDE. But it was many, many years ago now.

Fifteen years ago, sixteen years ago. Tanya, Hanshi, should we once take a look at the standings before we go to the break so that we can also show Prakhar? Yeah, who's going to make it to the top?

And also get some predictions from him. Let's have our standings up going into the final match of the day right now. And this is where we are, a very tight battle at the top, Rakhar. We've got 2 teams with 12 match points. So the aim at the end of it will be to finish in those top 2 places to make it to the grand final, right? And that happens on the last day. So right now we've got Magnus's team, right, and Jan Nepomniachtchi's team that have got 12 match points. Then we've got So three teams with nine points, and then the Triveni Continental Kings, which by the way have been in a final every season, have won the GCL twice, runners-up once, are currently at the bottom of the board.

And nobody is out of reach in a way. Like I'm sure the permutation combination works out no for everyone.

But also third and fourth have played one match extra. You see seven, while the rest have played six.

So थोड़ा सा you know anything can happen नीचे वाले ऊपर आ सकते हैं So effectively, the top three teams here, if all things go well, are Alpine Ganges and Fires. Right?

If all things go well, Fires wins the last game of the day today. Fires versus Triveni. Oh!

You know who is the icon board for that? Save your O for that moment. It is going to be Alireza Firouzja taking on Jabakir Sindarov. Oh my God! अंदर जाना है भाई आपको यू हैव टू गो आई हैव टू गो आई हैव टू गो आई हैव टू इतनी बात करूँगा तो फिर क्या करूँगा मैं पॉडकास्ट में कल अगर यही सारी निकाल दी तो फिर अभी आपको थोड़ा रुकना होगा because we are going to go into a short break and we'll be right back with all the action for the final upcoming round. जब एक इंडियन के हाथ में पावर आता है, वो एक कामयाब लीग कैप्टन बन जाता है। सोजो। जब हर इंडियन के हाथ में पावर आएगा इंडिया और कितना कामयाब हो जाएगा इसलिए योनो देता है हर इंडियन के हाथ में पावर the all new योनो power to every इंडियन मानिकचंद ऑक्सीरिच proudly इंडियन कुछ लोग इतनी तेजी से बढ़ते हैं कि पता ही नहीं चलता। जैसे कि APL Apollo Steel Pipes, एयरपोर्ट से लेकर आपके घर तक कुछ ऐसी ही स्टील की ताकत को APL Apollo बनाता है, देश की बढ़ती ताकत। APL Apollo, देश की बढ़ती ताकत। The chief guests have arrived.

Salute! Salute करो, salute करो। Salute हटाओ, ये पिलाओ। Full of veggies. Formality हटाओ, ये पी खाओ। आपके क्रेडिट कार्ड की ड्यूटी मैं सोच चुकी है। जिसकी वजह से पेनल्टी चार्जेस की सीटी बजने वाली है, और क्रेडिट स्कोर के गिरने की वजह से आपके होश होश होश उड़ने वाली है। यानि कि आपके हालात बिगड़ने की संभावना है। क्रेडिट पेमेंट्स की चिंता हमेशा सर पे? आओ चेक पे। सारे क्रेडिट कार्ड्स के बिल एक क्लिक में पे करो और वन परस ₹5.

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पर हम भी जिद्दी हैं। तीस से ज़्यादा क्वालिटी चेक्स, विटामिन ए और विटामिन डी से योग्य और खाना भी बने स्वादिष्ट। खाने में समझौता नहीं, अच्छा खाना शुरुआत से ही। इंडिपेंडेंस। जब एक इंडियन के हाथ में पावर आता है, हाईएस्ट सेंचुरीज़ का रिकॉर्ड टूट जाता है। जब हर इंडियन के हाथ में पावर आएगा, सोचो इंडिया और कितने रिकॉर्ड तोड़ेगा? इसलिए य Power to every Indian.

In the battle of the pings, it is now time for the kings to brush off that loss, come back here with a reset mindset for the color exchange as they. Get on to play the second face-off for the day. This time, they'll be up against the Gambits. And now, for the color exchange, may I now call upon the match official, Chief Arbiter Gerd Bayer. And now, the coaches of the two teams: Luke Van Veli for the Kings and Srinath Narayanan for the Gambits. May we have the color exchange?

Sorry, just keeping it fair.

Gambits play white. Going ahead, you don't have a lot of matches in your hand. Every match becomes crucial. How do you win it today?

Uh, I think, uh, we just have to play our best and see how it goes. Especially the last five minutes of the match becomes very important, and I think this is where all the training you do, all the blitz you play comes in to help.

You know, Javakir Nihal have done in this tournament this season well with white pieces as compared to the black. Will they be leading the charge?

I don't think it comes down to any single particular player, but of course, in a way, Javakir does lead the charge being on board. one, and him doing well certainly inspires the team. Same way with any particular player who does amazingly well. Nihal has been one of those players so far. But nevertheless, yeah, I think it doesn't come down to any one particular boat to get you the win because all 6 have to function in cohesion.

You know, you've said in the last coin toss that we had, sometimes not knowing is the best, sometimes knowing is the best. This time you know you You must have prepped for that white. How confident do you feel?

I feel pretty confident. But on the other hand, I also think, you know, again, in the last 5 minutes, a lot of things change. And we just saw that happen in the previous game with Nino's win and Abhimanyu's loss yesterday. So, we are pretty confident. But we also understand that it's, it's a different format.

Well, all the best for today's game.

Thank you.

Luc, do you put all the importance on the last 5 minutes as well? Do you think that the last 5 minutes may just decide the game?

Well, if the game is not decided before that, you know, so, well, it will be, yeah, you have to be ready for the last 5 minutes, especially when there's a small difference between the playing strength So differences are small, and then it's, uh, yeah, you have to be sharp when the points are being divided.

You know, we've seen on multiple occasions throughout this season that it all comes down to the time scramble. How important do you think time is going to be in today's clash?

Uh, well, I think in all matches it has been important. So, um, well, And I think the public wants it, you know, so I'm not going to say please win quickly, you know, because I don't want to let the people down.

But are you going to go for the kill today?

Well, we have no choice. But basically, I mean, we are— after the last match, you know, I'm still a little bit flabbergasted, you know, That, uh, we had basically the match in the bag, and then in the last few minutes, uh, we all lost it, you know. So, um, this is a nice opportunity just to, to strike back.

All right, all the best for the game today. Thank you very much. When time is of utmost importance, the Fyers American Gambits will be picking white while, uh, the Triveni Continental Kings will be playing black. Praghat, What do you think of this? Hello, Prakhar.

Take it away.

Is there any other Prakhar here? Because I wasn't expecting that. What do I think of it? I think I think the fires have a great team. Triveni's been down on their luck a little bit, and like I genuinely think with that kind of youth force in there, the games are very dynamic. You you like it's unclear how things might go, but I'm rooting for. Fires here. I think Sindharo, I want to see perform better and better.

Nihal until the World Championship only. Yes, right, right, right.

Until the World Championship, let him have his confidence. Let it let it feed the beast, and then we'll see. But also, I think Gukesh pulls up when he pulls up. You know what I'm saying? Like, even the Ding match also, people weren't really sure. They were always going Ding, and then Gukesh comes out of nowhere, completely takes it. So I'm not worried. I think World Championship is still. His and ours in that way.

Well, this is our upcoming match. You know, you've highlighted the icon board right there, Prakhar. We're also looking down at what we've got from the fires American Gambit. Trivani Continental Kings have been champion of the league twice. They are struggling right now, currently at the bottom of the leaderboard. And as Luke Van Veli said, it's been a heartbreaking day for them so far. Where do you see, apart from Javakir, are the big fires trends currently?

I think Dubo, but I don't know how he's playing this tournament. Although Arvind is not easy, I think Nihal versus Wei is a very interesting matchup.

I love that he points that out. You know, Nihal has defeated Wei, Levon Aronian, Pranesh, and Arjun.

Nihal is the player of the tournament right now.

Really? Although I really think he's slept on in terms of a fandom. I think his speed chess speaks for itself, but beyond that also, Nihal Huge upside as a chess player, as a chess fan. Like you know when you become a fan of somebody, you invest emotionally in them.

By the way, I think it's useful. Prakhar bhai, yeah we break this down, but I think there is someone who's already down. Oh! Oh my! Let us go! Let us go! Make way for Sage!

Sage, you want twelve?

One, two. Three.

That's a half. His biceps shaking.

Seven. It's not bad. I'm impressed. Come on, Sahaj! No! Two more, two more, two more to go, two more to go, two more.

Yes! Let's go!

Champion!

Champion! Sahaj OP in the chat. Let's go!

Too easy, he says. Too easy as he finishes 12 push-ups, ladies and gentlemen, a world record.

And almost died in the last 2.

Yes, his bicep was shaking more than his body was, guys. That's what a champion sounds like. Do you understand what it takes to be the fittest man in this entire playing arena? Sayed, we are so proud of you, brother.

I think, Sayed, we can make another bet, you know, in this match that he can do maybe 15 push-ups. So easy for him. सागर भाई सूली पे चला दो विचारे को। वो rate बढ़ता ही जा रहा है। But you know, Sahaj has this thing कि वो कोई तो एक team को support करता रहेगा यहाँ पर। And Tanya, who's your favorite at this point?

Well, I have been wanting to see this man get back into form right now.

He's not one of them.

He's been the key player for the Triveni Continental Kings in the Previous seasons, but right now comes winless into a moment of survival for the Kings. Watching them walk in, what's the feeling, Prakhar?

You know, Ali Reza is known for his walks. That has been a theme in Ali Reza's recent tournament appearances. Oh yeah, somebody told me in the lounge area that his walk seems like he's not feeling the heat of the tournament in a certain way. It might be true. It might be true. And if you're going up against Sindarov with a form like Ali Reza's right now, it has to be hard going in.

Yeah, and right, Chaukhir would be sensing it. Yeah, that कि इधर चांस है मेरे को जीतने का। उसको तो हर जगह ही sensing है भाई इस time पे। Yeah, and that's the feeling.

That's what confidence does to you when you have this kind of a performance that you believe you can take down everyone. What an icon board we've got set ourselves up for, and I believe that Prakhar, you are needed and wanted everywhere. On the venue, in the venue right now. But thank you so much for joining us.

The pleasure is mine, guys. This is like being on my favorite TV show. Thank you so much for having me.

जाने से पहले कौन जीतेगा? ये वाला मैच. GCL Season Four.

Oh, Season Four direct. ये total कौन जीतेगा?

थोड़ी math करनी पड़ेगी. But I am now betting. I think fires. Fires. Zindaro. Zindaro. Whoa! I think I'm waiting for a comeback. Like there has never been one. Prachura, let's go, baby! Let's go, let's win this one!

And on cue, Javakir Sinderov arrives at the venue right now, and a very different arrival from Alireza Firouzja right there. That's a man with confidence. He knows that his team has had some great performances. Nehal Sarin, one of the key players there. But Baby Sara, can she turn it around and can she show up for her team? Sagar, this This is fun to watch. It feels like there's a camaraderie between Bibisara and Nehal.

I think they are in good spirits. Yeah, the Fire Americans Gambits. I think they do look the favorites in this one. But I am slightly rooting for the Triveni Continental Kings because I want all the teams to be on 9 match points so that everyone's chances remain open.

But I thought we discussed that whatever you want today, you have to say the opposite of that, Sagar, because nothing's been working out with your prediction.

I hope Tanya, you feel very sad today.

That's very sweet. All right, but let's see which team feels sad at the end of this next round. For Triveni Continental Kings, it's about survival. For the Fire's American Gambits, it's about making a claim at that top spot right now. And the Kings do arrive with smiles on their faces. Tiger, once again, I think the pressure cannot be on their top board. It's not just the icon board. It's the rest from Veyi to Arvind to Zhu Jin'er being the one player who's been a big weak spot for them.

You know, Tanya, when you have a team like Triveni Continental Kings and Zhu Jin'er and Alireza Firouzja don't fire, then the team's core is missing. You know, they are the most important players in the team. Zhu Jin'er, what's wrong with her?

Like, she's never been such out of And she is the world number 3, so a very big draft for the Triveni Continental Kings. She lost one game the entire of last season, was a big scorer right there, but this time hasn't shown up yet. The one man on the icon board who's shown up time and time again, Shavakir Sinderov. It's something about playing in India for this guy.

Yeah, I think he's just happy to be here. He enjoys himself and he has good company all around him. You know, his team is really cool. I think the team owners are really, really nice. So yeah, he's in good shape. And by the way, Marc-Andrea Morizzi has been playing well. Farah Khadim has played quite decently in this tournament. But the man in form is Nihal Sarin. He is the highest-scoring player of this tournament until now. I mean, he And Polina and Nino. These are the three players who are doing incredibly well, Tanya.

The potential players who will at the end of GCL have a bike in hand. Oh yeah. The Silver Knight Java.

I want to see Nihal do that on the bike. I I would be like that would be the moment of this tournament.

Watch our Chess Base India clips for that. With Sagar, really you know to your point. He's been a giant slayer, a giant player himself. Right now, he will be playing in the Olympiad for India three days later. His first time, you know, with this performance, everyone would be like Srinath Narayanan would be thinking, "Should I put Nihal on board two, board three, board one?" You know, and that's funny because right now Srinath Narayanan is also captaining him. So he's seeing his form. He's seeing Nihal take down Wei Yi, take down Levon Aronian, beat Arjun. Pranish and be one of those top scorers. So we're gonna find out that board order for the Olympiad rate later. But Sagar, right now looking at order of things, Triveni Continental Kings have already lost a match earlier today as well, just to add to their troubles.

Right, well, Triveni Continental Kings need to get their act together. And these are the pairings that we are looking at. I am looking for Triveni Continental Kings to strike on board number 3. Arvind Chidambaram has to do something against Daniel Dubov. Zhu Jin'er, well, I've been rooting for her for a long time, but I think something's off there. Alexandra Kosteniuk can get that win against Sara Khadem. I think that's— there's the small chance there for the Triveni team. And Pranav, who played so well against Leon, I think there he can put pressure on Marc-André Morizzi. These are the main boards. I don't think the Aikun board and the second board— those are the strong points of the Fires American Gambit.

I agree with you, especially on the Prodigy board. You know, Prana with a close to winning position against Mendonça, a one-move blunder is where it all went wrong. But the quality of his game has been generally quite high. It's going to be one, uh, one big battle there. And for Yu Jin and Bibisara, again, the story of which one of them can make a comeback in this one. Sagar, you know what, I have a feeling that Alireza Firouzja finally shows up for his team in this If he beats Jao Kier Sindaro, that would be a huge result.

But I feel that it's—he hasn't won a single game so far. Unlikely because he's black against Jao.

Oh, he did win against Vishy. Who? Alireza Firouzja.

Yeah, yeah. I think he won.

No, it was a draw. It was a draw at the end. It was a draw at the end. He hasn't won yet. He has, and it was a much worse position for him as well.

Yes, yes. He was about to lose that one. So actually. No win for Alireza Firouzja, no wins for Zhu Jin'er. These 2 players tremendously struggling for the Triveni Continental Kings. Meanwhile, the Fires American Gambits, their home base is Bangalore.

It is. And that means— and you know, Sagar, the fans go crazy for them when they come in. And speaking of the arena, the fans, only thing left to do now is go straight to the arena. Arohi, we are ready to welcome the final 2 teams of the day.

A crucial game for the 2 teams in pink. They will face each other off, and all those points would want them to be in their kitty. Let's give it up for the 2 teams, Truvani Continental Kings and Fires American Gambits. And now for the player introductions. Let's start from the fires, American Gambits, who will be playing white. World Cup winner, Gaurav Siddharth!

Hello!

Olympiad individual gold medalist Nihal Sarin. Creative genius Daniel Dubov. Reigning Norway Chess Women's Champion Bibisara Salvaeva. Chess star with a Vogue feature, Sara Khadem. French chess champion Markandria Moridze and their coach Reena Narayanan. Up against them, playing with the black pieces, the Triveni Continental Kings. Youngest to cross 2800, Alireza Firouzja. World Cup runner-up Honor-up, Wei Yi. The silent killer from Chennai, Arvind Chidambaram. Women Grand Prix winner, Zhu Jina. 12th Women's World Champion, Alexandra Kosteniuk. Former World Junior Champion, Pranav. And their coach, Luke Van Veenly. All the best to the two teams. And now for the first move, may I call upon the tournament director, Mr. Bharat Singh. Our chief arbiter, Gerd Bayer, and our special guest for today, Mr. Gunnar Björnsson, CEO, Icelandic Chess Federation.

And we do have the ceremonial moves as we see the handshakes on the board. But for the Fires American Gambit, they cannot wait to get the moves on the board. I do believe, Irina, uh, that for the Trevini Continental Kings, it's not the same fervor, it's not the same feeling right now.

Well, right now the Trevani Continental Kings need to avoid a fifth loss in this event because if they lose this match, even if they win all the rest of their matches, it's probably going to be impossible for them to make it into the finals. You would like to get to six wins out of ten in order to make it into the finals. And for the Byers American Gambits, if they win, they're going to put themselves into third place position. Right now we have the kickoff in the game between Bibisara. Asobayev and Zhu Jin'er, the number 4 and 5 rated women in the world in classical chess. And what a battle this is.

But while they've got those high rankings, Irina, over here at the Global Chess League, it's been a struggle for both these players. It starts with the Slav opening, this one known to be quite a solid one, but Zhu Jin'er is the first to capture a pawn, and immediately Bibisara does respond, making sure that the b-pawn isn't able to defend Uh, that extra pawn on the board right now. We will take a look at the other opening in the Women's Superstar Board. Sarah Qadem taking on Alexandra Kosteniuk.

Okay, let's go there. So we also have a Slav Defense. Yes, okay, a little bit surprising, but the Slav has always been a part of Alexandra's repertoire. And Sarah Qadem goes for the fianchetto of the bishop. You know, Black will go e6, h6. She wants to preserve the bishop from attack. That's why she's played her pawn to h6. And it's a very solid position for black so far.

All right, so this one a solid start Slav known to be, but the other one I think we can expect some fireworks with the pawn already being captured, and that means that it's almost time to kick off our men's superstar board with Daniel Dubov taking on Arvind Chidambaram and a matchup that's a big pressure point in this one: Nihal Sarin up against Wei Yi. And we are going to have the first moves in this one. What are your expectations? Who's hot?

Who's cold here? Right. Well, first of all, Daniel has lost three games in a row, so he definitely went kind of in the wrong direction after a very good start. His first win in the event was against Aravind with the black pieces, and that was a great game. So, but but since then, Aravind's tournament has gone a lot better, and he's delivered a few important wins for his team. While Daniel wants to just avoid losing the fourth game in a row, there's actually two players on. The Fires American Gambits team that have lost 3 games in a row coming into this match, Tanya.

It's going to be a match about comebacks for both of these teams right now. And we see Daniel Dubov start with Knight to f3. We also saw handshakes on our other superstar board. Nihal Sarin lifting things off as well. He's been on fire this entire tournament while Wei Yi has found late resurgence as well. And I think once again, for me, that is going to be one of the decisive, decisive boards in this one. And Irina, a very interesting choice, and not the first of the day. We've seen second b3 in some of our other matches today, and that's the opening choice here. Now, Dubov famously said when he was in India that he takes about 5 minutes to prepare for a game. Do you think this is one of those cases?

Well, he plays a lot of different things, and it's not a bad choice to get a game. He's sidestepping the mainline theory. It's kind of funny, we have a totally symmetric position Because Aravind just decided to copy him. Uh, let's see if Aravind continues with the move d5 with the symmetric strategy, or he's finally going to do something different.

We'll see the mirroring happens or not, but it is time to go to our big clash right now on the Icon Board. It is World Championship challenger, the hottest player on the circuit right now, Shavakir Sindarov, with the white pieces, taking the beast of speed chess, Alireza Firouzja, who is currently winless at the Global Chess League, something he's not used to.

That's right, it is a far cry from his 3rd season where he got to 7.5 points in the main, uh, regulation games. Um, right now he's on 2.5 out of 6 while Sinderov is on 3.5 out of 6. So like, it's not terrible for Firouzja, but he has lost one game here.

Did Javakir just yawn? Someone go wake him up, he's playing against Alireza. It's not the right time to start feeling sleepy.

Well, it is a pretty late game in the day. It's 8 PM, so, you know, depending on when he woke up, he might be a little tired.

Well, I will inform you that both these players were absent from golf this morning, so they definitely got a lie-in right there. And for Shabakir Sindarov, it is go time. We have liftoff on our icon board, and he starts with what could be the Reti Opening. The knight comes out first.

Very interesting. I wonder again if he— maybe if he and Dubov looked at this stuff together because they started With the same first move, we are finding out if he goes with the b pawn, but he doesn't. No. Will Ali Raza go for a King's Indian? No. He goes for c five, and you know what? He has actually gone for this before in this tournament in his game against Jan Nepomniachtchi. Also the symmetric English featured in their matchup.

And does he continue to do that? We're trying to fianchetto his own bishop by pushing the g pawn forward. We'll just have the arrows on the board, and eventually he does decide. To change things up, we see development, and Alireza is the first to strike in the center. Some of the pawns come off. At least it's an open English setup here.

Yeah, okay, interesting. He also there's a famous setup where the knight retreats and black tries to play the move e5 to get a space advantage. But Alireza goes for g6, and I feel like we've seen this opening in this tournament before.

You know, I've got a question for you. You know, you were playing in season one. You've been a commentator in all the other seasons. You watched Alireza in action, and he's been part of Trivani Continental Kings, the royalty of GCL. They do not know about the situation they're in right now. They've never experienced it before, playing from the bottom, suddenly fighting for survival. What is different about Alireza this season? What's going on there?

Well, you know, I just think— I don't think anything really is different. I just think it's, you know, when you see someone do so amazing, you kind of feel like, oh, that's the way it's always supposed to be. But honestly, there's just a lot of variance. In chess, right? I don't think it's like something very special that on the Icon board he has lost one game and drawn the rest. I don't think it's like a terribly awful event given the level of opposition he has. It's just that last year got us used to him winning all his games.

It was 5 out of 5, the start that Alireza Firouzja had last year. Well, one thing what it feels like is that Javakir wants to target him in this game. He's going quite aggressive and combative early on. The h-pawn is up the board. And let's just say I love that you're doing an action replay of this because the idea was to push it further and ask questions. And Alireza says, "I'm preempting that." He pushes his own pawn one step forward, and if Javakir was to continue with his plan, I think Alireza plans to shut that down instantly.

Exactly. It's very typical reaction to the advance of the h pawn to meet it with the move h six, not h five because h five actually weakens this g five square too much. So black moves the pawn up. Up one, and now there's really not so much sense for white to keep going because this is a very safe pawn structure for white, and we don't have any discovered attacks on this knight yet because on knight after knight takes g five, black has the intermediate capture here, and then they're going to get a free knight.

And that would be bad news for Javakir. We won't see any of that happening now that we know that Javakir plans to put some pressure on Alireza, just simply given his opening choice. On that top board for the fires American gambits. Let's do a quick world tour and see some of the other boards and the action that's on. Should we start from our prodigy board?

Okay, let's do it. So Mark Andrea Morizzi and Prana Vankatesh both having good tournaments. They're both in plus scores for their team. Let's see how they got to this position. It was a Bogo Indian. Mark Andrea Morizzi blocks the check with the bishop c five. Immediately the pawn structure changes. Black gets the doubled pawns. And we have bishop fianchettoes from both sides. Queen d3 is a nice little move that aims to put the knight on d2 and without blocking the queen. Knight d2, knight d7, and here is our current position.

And very often when you take the queen and knight setup like this, your idea is to push that e-pawn, get more central squares, space, the pawns rolling up the board. It feels quite pleasant because you've already Uh, fractured black pawn formation on the queenside, and you're ready to advance at the center of the board. I generally tend to like these positions for white. Another plan I want to point out is that sometimes white wants to push that a-pawn to open up the rook line, trying to get to that a7 weakness. And it's very thematic to get this trade in and then set up the Alekhine Battery on the a-file. Get those rooks, get those queens, win that a-pawn.

Absolutely. This game is very rich Such a strategy, and White has lots of ways to approach it. So there's this a3 plan, there's the advance in the center. I mean, I guess you have to be always a little careful when you're putting these light-squared pawns when your bishop is light-squared, and Black can try to go for a dark-square strategy like that. You have to be careful that Black's knight doesn't eventually arrive on c5. So that's going to be the question that we're looking to answer. How does White continue, uh, whether they play on the center or on the queenside here? So many different approaches here.

We'll leave Mark to decide the one he chooses. Let's move on to our men's superstar board. Daniel Dubov is seizing the initiative in his game.

Okay, let's see how he's doing it. So we have a Benoni type of structure, and White just moved his knight to d2. Interesting move, which signifies that he's interested in advancing this e-pawn to e4, I think.

Can we just do a quick action replay starting from move 1? We saw that he went with this interesting b3 concept early on, and then how did he manage to get the pawns at the center of the board? And it was right here where he gets that Connect Four in, gets the space.

Well, Black started the attack on the center with c5, and he provoked White to advance and take the space advantage. Then Black tries to undermine in the Benoni style, and here Black captures If white— okay, interesting stuff because it looks like this pawn is under attack, but I guess it's a little tricky to take it, right? Because if you take it with the bishop, then you can remove the defender of the knight. And there's some tricky tactics here because you're gonna get this bishop and then the rook, but black takes here, white captures more. White's gonna have an extra piece at the end of all those captures. So that's why the bishop did not capture on d5. And if the knight captures I assume there's going to be some kind of an annoying pin on this diagonal.

You could jump in with the knight to the center of the board, just putting so much pressure there. Very dangerous to pick up the pawn, which is why he did not. Instead, we saw Arvind line up his rook on the open line and then the knight retreat, making sure that Black's knight does not land on the e4 square. And it's all a fight for that square. Let's just highlight that point. If White is able to get those central pawns going— e4, f4, everything 4— You know, you can see the makings of an attack. And for Aravind Chidambaram, he needs to start pushing those queenside pawn majorities. You, you want to get a6, you want to get b5, get your knight into the play as quickly as possible. d6, knight d7. I generally tend to prefer white in these positions. It feels like the central play is going to be stronger.

Exactly. Well, Aravind tries b5 to stop the white knight from going to c4, and Dubov responded with a4. Still, he's trying to get access to this square for the knight. A6 by Black, and now White is probably going to be pushing this pawn to e4 and setting up this typical Benoni pawn structure with a space advantage in the center. And that pawn will land there.

And for everybody watching, I think the idea for Daniel is to push that pawn even further up the board, but there is tension around those pawns. You have to be careful with those moves, not giving up material. the other pawn might be weak. So these positions are quite, quite dynamic. And the one thing that I have noticed about these Benko-Benoni positions, that the evaluation bar does not tell the full story. It often likes White's play, but that can be super tricky in these positions.

It's a very sharp position because the pawn structure is so unbalanced. So Daniel has played e4. The computer likes his position, but Aravind is probably going to be just going for the development He has to get this knight out of the back of the board, knight d7, and the whole game is still yet to develop.

But it promises to be a fun one with all the imbalances that you pointed out right now. This one's going to be a firefight. Let's move on to our other men's superstar board, Nihal Sarin versus Wei Yi. I was expecting this to be the pressure game of this one given Nihal's performance, given Wei Yi's resurgence in the tournament. It started with a Sicilian. And we didn't have an early breakout in the center. Nihal choosing a more closed approach. He strikes with e5 eventually and won a pawn in this moment, a pawn sacrifice by Wei Yi.

Wow, that's pretty amazing. Um, we have seen a lot of Sicilian sidelines in this tournament as the players just try to get more and more creative in the very early opening moves. I mean, I've never seen, um, this precise development of play in the opening, Tanya, with this Um, Bishop b5, Queen e2, e5 move, and capturing with the queen.

Irina, the big question is, why has Wei Yi given up a pawn right out of the opening? It's 7 pawns for White, 6 for Black. It has to rely on piece development, but where is it coming from? How did he continue after queen takes pawn?

Okay, so he attacked the bishop, and we got to make a decision. Do we take the knight, or do we lose a tempo retreating?

He's never giving you a bishop pair.

Not happening. Okay, so Here we go. So where is the compensation coming, uh, for Black? It's still a little bit of a mystery.

Well, I will point out one thing. Look at the home rank that Nihal Sarin has right now. It feels like he's really lagging behind in development. Wei Yi has finished all of it. He's castled, the bishops are out, the rook is hitting the queen. Meanwhile, that bishop on c1 does not have a square to get out on. The rook on a1 also undeveloped. And it's not easy because the Black knight is, is setting up some jumps to the center of the board at the right moment as well. If that knight can land hitting the queen that's being eyeballed by the black rook, there are tactics everywhere right now. I see the compensation, but it feels very time-bound. You have to play very energetically as Wei Yi right now.

Yeah, exactly. If white gets their position together, I mean, if they can bring their queen back, move up the pawn, get the bishop out, then of course white's just going to have an extra pawn in the center. But the problem is, yes, the lack of developments in white's position. And Black, I think the tricky thing for Black is picking a move here out of many promising-looking options.

The one thing that would be on my radar if I'm playing with the Black pieces, get that bishop to hit the White knight. I want to open up my queen's path. I'm also threatening to fracture your pawn formation on the kingside, asking you some questions, not giving you the enough time— not giving you enough time to develop your bishop.

Well, let's actually try to make a few moves here, Tanya, because okay, these moves are very natural. I moved my queen out of potential attacks. Let's say Black plays this typical Sicilian expansion like that, and I just continue putting pawns in the center. What— where does Black go from here?

Really tough question to answer. I think at some point I will be eyeing the ideas of giving up my bishop again, jumping with my knight to the center of the board, claiming piece activity. But you know what, I'm gonna leave Wei Yi to show us the way of compensation here. He's given up that pawn It's clear right now, Nihal Sarin— why is everyone on the FIDE American Gambits team so sleepy today? Nihal Sarin getting those yawns in as well. He's playing against one of the most dangerous opponents in the circuit. You know what has impressed me about Nihal in this event, apart from all the players he's beaten?

Apart from his score, yeah.

Apart from his score, has been the way he's done it. He absorbs so much pressure from his opponent. He takes all of that in, and then in those final critical moments, he's able to set up a trap and a trick and always makes it work. He did that against Pranesh, you know, a crazy game against Arjun as well. And it's like he has this incredible ability to stay stable when his opponent is playing for initiative, putting him in pressure, not cracking, keeps going. And very often it's the opponent who cracks then.

Yeah, no, he has shown himself to be exceptionally resourceful. And you know, you got to earn your luck, and he has had some luck in this tournament, but But I think overall, um, he has done his part to earn that luck. So let's take a look maybe at Sarah Hadam versus Alexandra Kosteniuk.

Let's do that before we circle right back to our icon board. And this is what we have, and this is an interesting position because both sets of rooks are off the board, and it feels like White has got this beautiful pawn formation with, again, a fan of Connect Four here. If you commented enough with David Howell, you, you tend to realize the importance of having this pawn formation and just how strong it is. The bishop gets out of the way, and I think the position's very much in the balance. But if I'm picking anyone, it's Sarah.

Oh, you would pick white? Interesting. Even though you, you feel like you like the pawn on c5 and the space it gives more than the pawn on e4 and that space in the center.

And the b7 pawn I want you to highlight. I feel like that's target That's easy to get to. I will make a case for Alexandra Kosteniuk though, that if she's able to get her queen to the second rank, put her knight closer to the white king, ideas like knight g4 hitting that f2 pawn, maybe counterplay. But I'm looking at that red highlighted weakness that Kosteniuk has on the b-file right now, and I just feel that gives me something to play for. The white knight about to jump to a5. Yeah, and she's just set that up with the bishop slide over. Sarah Qadim's knight is coming in.

Yeah, I mean, it's definitely true that Sarah can play knight a five. I guess that move is often met by this move b six. Still, it's a very stable position. I'd say a draw is the most likely result, but there is still some potential for an explosion on this board. All right, Tanya, you probably want to go back to our icon board: Java here Sindara versus Alireza Firouzja. Let's go back a few moves to see how they got here.

And while you do that. I have my eye on the fan zone, and incredible scenes are happening here. I think Sagar is also playing some games with the fans there. We could hear the big cheers happening. It's just chess everywhere, a complete celebration of the game. And even though we are late into the evening, it's been a long day of chess. No such thing for Bengaluru. They just want more and more of it.

Yeah, well, right now, um, Java here, Sindarov, has sacrificed the b2 pawn and And he still has some initiative. He can take the pawn on c5, get that one, and then give up the pawn on a2. But of course he has compensation because he's got this lovely rook on the b-file. There's pressure from the bishop. The Black king is still in the center. So he's managed to create a very double-edged position. He goes Queen d2. Engine loves this move.

He's a little bit up on the clock as well. And currently the material is in balance. He doesn't rush. What this move does is it looks like it defends that A2 pawn, but it's also set up a queen and bishop battery discouraging Alireza Firouzja to get a castle in. Oh, that's very nice. And yes, and that means that as long as you can't do that because the pawn on h6, as you highlighted— let's just show that if Black makes the move that you really want to make, even if the c5 pawn wasn't hanging, you pick up this very important pawn and then the attack comes in. So Alireza's king is stuck in the center. I think Javakir has a huge advantage on this. For the icon board, the Fires American Gambits are doing really well.

Yeah, his position looks a lot more harmonious. I just want to point out the position of this queen, the way it's blocking the bishop from developing.

He moves, he moves it. King's in the center.

Okay, let's see where he goes.

He goes on to defend that pawn. It's not the role you want your queen to be fulfilling right now. Also, that bishop that you highlighted, you've opened the path for it, but it can't really move, Irina. There's a pawn on b7 that's going to fall. Every piece has gone into defending those pawns. And I don't see a way for Alireza to finish development in this one.

Well, White has a very obvious move here that I think Sindarov is going to play. It's going to be Rook fc1, bringing the final piece into play. And then this pawn is under attack. And let's say you defend it like that. Seems very natural to build a pawn chain. Um, how does White break through? They're probably going to have to look at the central break and calculate how all of that is working. Like if pawn takes, probably I was gonna say knight takes it with your knight.

The rook is hanging.

Yep, that is looking pretty good. In fact, there might be even stronger moves in this position for white like that.

This looks terrifying if you're Alireza Firouzja to walk into this position with no castling, no development. You're just shuffling around with your queen, your pawns are falling apart, and Rook c1 on the board. Irina here crushing it, uh, in the commentary. It has been played. Big pressure. He jumps in with the knight, only way to actually defend that pawn and not create weaknesses, light square weaknesses. All right, let's get our six board view and do a quick roundup of we're seeing the fires American gambits with big chances on the icon board. Where are we making a case for the Trivani Continental Kings? This is our bird's eye view. This is where we stand right now. Our top row, it's top center where we see that Wei Yi has a slight advantage right now. You know, we spoke he's down a pawn, but lot of initiative again. He's playing for those pieces. By the way, his last move has been the pawn push at the center. and he's looking, eyeballing some of those knight jumps we were looking at. So there is pressure on Nihal Sarin, immediate problems to be solved as his pieces remain undeveloped. Meanwhile, Prabhakar Sindharan putting pressure. Daniel Dubov also with an edge out of the opening, which means top row, there are 2 boards that is advantage for his American Gambit.

Yeah, so far we don't see any advantages for the Triveni Continental Kings, but we have seen matches today that don't look like they're going very well for For a team, and by the end of the match, they managed to turn things around.

And you know whose storyline that was? It was the storyline for the Trevini Continental Kings. And that's how they lost.

That's right, because they they were doing well, and then in the end, they managed to to collapse in that earlier match.

And there's been a turnaround in the Nihal Serena and the match you were talking about against the Ganges Grandmasters going down 15 to 3 were the Trevini Continental Kings. They come into this match pretty much with broken hearts. But right now, that position—is it broken for Wei Yi? It feels like he's just made a big error, Irina.

Well, let's just take a quick look. Wei Yi played this move ninety five, and the reason White could not take that pawn—there was a very good reason why he didn't. It's because he was going to be losing the rook over here. So he moves the queen to d six, and Wei Yi responded with. The move knight d4. Okay, I mean, I guess he had a lot of other choices, but let's see what what he's going for with this move.

Well, now that your knights jump forward, I'm up a pawn. Can I be up two pawns? I'm not going to allow you to take the knight. And I was also thinking of the other way. Well, I can go this way, and it feels like the bar approves of this. And I was also thinking maybe I can take the pawn on e5 directly, ask some questions. But I like what you've shown. And the question in my mind is: How is Wei Yi proving compensation not for just Just a single, but actually 2 pawns on this board.

Yeah, this position is pretty wild. Being down 2 pawns is a lot, although White's development is still not improving. So he has to start, start an attack with this move, Queen f4. And, and what? And what? I mean, it doesn't really look obvious unless you get a little help.

Yeah, and that's the thing, you give White another move— good luck playing g5 in this position— but you give White one more You push the pawn, the bishop comes out, and then suddenly white is saying, "I'm up material. My pieces are coordinated. You've got nothing going right now." So it just feels that Wei Yi is going to be in trouble. All Nihal has to do is get greedy, and it's almost being provoked to do that because Wei Yi comes with a threat of capturing the knight. So you need to move that knight.

But maybe it is safer to take this pawn. What do you think? Because okay, then the knight is hanging. Black immediately has to make a decision about. This knight, and if he takes the bishop, okay, the queen is pretty safe on d6. There's the move d4 that we would like to get in. Actually, I feel like maybe this knight capture looks a little bit safer for white than the one that we looked at first.

It looks like pleasant options for Nihal Sarin in this one. I want to go straight back to Javakir Sindarov versus Alireza Firouzja. We've had a few more moves in on that. And let's let's zoom into our players. Let's see how they're feeling on the board right now. The knight jumped in. We saw the a pawn move forward, and the rook defending that b pawn so that the black bishop can come into the game, which is what happened eventually. The bishop slides over. We saw some trades at the center of the board, and this is where we are, where a queen trade currently is being offered. Let's have the players full screen.

So the question is, does Black accept the queen trade after queen takes b4? It looks like White has enough pressure to win the pawn back because d4 is under pressure, the b7 pawn is under pressure. But Black, I mean, Black has the bishop pair and the extra pawn for now.

White to the 7th heaven, needs to get that rook up the board.

Can get, can get in, and then we could get scenarios where there's bishops of opposite colors, Tanya.

You know, when I was studying rook-pawn endings as a kid, I was always told by my coach that a rook on the 7th rank is worth half a pawn. Mm-hmm. And it's such an active piece that it gives you initiative and advantage. And maybe it's not going to be enough, but one thing's clear. You compare each of Javakir's pieces to the black counterparts. The bishop on g2, a beautiful piece. It's on a— it's a sniper down the board. You've got the two rooks again putting pressure on that b pawn. I don't think that's a pleasant endgame to face at all. Also, it's such an anti-Alireza position. Alireza loves those chaotic middle games, and Sindarov is denying him all of that.

Yeah, exactly. It looks like Alireza is going to be having to defend a slightly worse endgame with a bit less time on the clock as well against Java here. So that's right. This is not really a board where the Trivani Continental kings can look. 2-4, a win. However, let's go back maybe to, uh, Nihal Sarin versus Wei Yi, because that is a very exciting game. And Wei Yi, after Knight d4, uh, Nihal captured on d4. He actually went for this one. Okay, and Knight d5. So he wasn't interested in capturing the second pawn, decides to play it safer with Knight d5. Only one extra pawn for him. However, so it's a pretty healthy extra pawn for Nihal, right?

But this at least lets Wei Yi breathe a little bit. It would have been a lot of pressure on Wei Yi had he gone for 2 pawns, but I think Nihal wants to prioritize simplification and development right now. Also makes a lot of sense. But this just means that now that the queen's come out, Wei Yi's rook is ready to line up at the right moment. You might have bishop e6 next. Now that there's no queen trade, the black bishop sliding over, the black rook coming to the center of the board. And the c-pawn becomes a target.

Yeah, and that's why the c-pawn has to recapture on b3 and get out of attack. So White's extra pawn is this doubled pawn. It's not a lot, but it's a very safe advantage.

Wei Yi has survived a little bit in this one. I think Nihal had a big opportunity to make life a lot more difficult. Again, Nihal prioritizing development does open up that bishop, and I'm expecting Wei Yi to start chasing that queen. But which diagonal will he He goes for the line that we were looking at.

Yep, so the queen will probably go back to f3. Um, I mean, it's going to be a pretty safe position for Black even though he's going to be down a pawn. I think the game between Daniel Dubov and Aravind is also worth taking a look at as it's getting kind of wild. So White has just played the move pawn to b4. Wow, so that is a pawn sack, and the intention is if pawn takes, I guess it's knight b3, isn't it, Tanya? You remove the queen, and also maybe you just try to get the knight into d4 and some amazing squares.

Let's have Daniel Dubov and Arvind Chidambaram on our screens right now as we see, uh, Nihal Sarin has just retreated with the queen. And I love this idea, it's a very thematic idea, you know, Irina. The— we'll just have the arrows on the board, we'll see the players make the move. That knight from b3 will jump to the center of the board and land on a really juicy outpost Unless we lose a piece first, Tanya. We'll make sure that we move the bishop, but I just want to draw the concept of why that pawn wanted to be removed. You want a piece to have the d4 spot. It's, it's a beautiful position for your, your piece to land on. I love this pawn sacrifice. It doubles up the 2 pawns. I'm expecting a jump on d4.

Okay, so you think that maybe White will jump in with a knight to d4?

Either hit the queen first, land with the knight to d4. I do like those concepts. I'm just eyeballing that c6 square. Imagine a knight lands there. Dubov will be a happy man.

Yeah, well, let's just show the audience why I think there's a little flaw with this move, because we— I mean, it makes a lot of sense, but we kind of underestimated the fact that this queen can get a double attack, and that wasn't really the plan because we don't have a good way to save both pieces.

And you never want to give up that bishop for the knight.

Yeah, I mean, okay, White can continue playing, but like giving up the beautiful dark-squared bishop in order to take this guy on a6 is not really the plan we want to go for. So I think, uh, Dubov has to find some other move here than Knight b3.

It has to be around that d4 square is the feeling. And the clocks are leveled right now. Daniel Dubov is down a pawn in this position, but playing for squares, playing against against the pawn formation that Arvind Chidambaram has. Always keep an eye on those doubled b-pawns right there. Uh, Irina, I'm gonna bring up our bird's-eye view to do a quick match roundup and see where the points for these 2 teams are coming on. Let's bring on our 6-board view. Now on that top board, it's advantage Gavalkir Sinderov. Top center, Nihal Sarin has the edge. So those are 2 boards where we've got the Fires American Gambits pushing. Daniel Dubov, a very imbalanced game, a game for 3 results, and I'm scared to call anything on I see the bar does prefer Daniel's position, but I still think that Arvind's very much in this. Meanwhile, our first result's already in bottom center. We missed absolutely zero action on that one, but Sarah Kadam and Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2 players who've been struggling with their form in this tournament, are the first to finish with a peaceful result. So we've had 2 boards with the, with the Fires American Gambits being better on the top. Bottom row, where are you seeing the chances here? Make a case for the Trevini Continental Kings. Well, a very hard case to be made.

Yeah, very hard, Tanya, because I'm looking at the Prodigy board where the Trevini Continental Kings are, you know, just down a pawn in an endgame with pawns on the same side. There's no chance for them to win that game at all. Actually, they're trying not to lose, right? And it's, it's a 2-result game on the Prodigy board. On the Women's Superstar board, they're in an endgame. Rook and knight looks— I mean, it looks very safe for Zhu Jiner. Um, I would say okay, it's possible for Black to win that endgame if things go very wrong for White. They're both under 5 minutes. Black's king is a little bit more centralized than White's, so I would not say that Zhu Jiner has, uh, zero winning chances.

We are essentially not finding a board where Trivani Continental kings are better right now.

That's right, because that board does not exist yet. And you know Well, we see Firouzja. He tried to avoid the queen trade. Maybe he thought his team, you know, needed him to keep the queens on the board, but his position has deteriorated with that decision.

We can it's gone even worse. Let's go back to our icon board. The bar keeps rising up and up in favor of the fires American gambits in that one. We left it last when the white queen jumped up the board to offer that trade. It was declined. Alireza Firouzja trying to keep a more Alireza position. And now it's the white knight that jumps forward. It's a brilliancy on the board. It looks like that knight, it's a free piece, but there are tactics. You pick up that knight, it comes in with a check, a double attack. You hit the king, you win a key bishop in the position, coming in with more threats. And check this out, if you put your queen now on d7—

Well, there's not yet bishop c6, or there is already bishop c6. Wow.

Exactly, because the rook on c1 stops the queen from taking it. And this is a beautiful construction. Oh, that we're going to be sacrificing the.

Oh no, we're not sacrificing the queen. What's? Oh, the idea is like this.

You take on E5. You hit the two rooks diagonally. This is stunning tactics right here. It's a bit deep, but stay with us. For Javakir Sanderov, this is child's play. He has spotted this.

Yeah, that's a really a beautiful tactic that it's on the board.

Queen B5 check has been played. If the queen goes up, Alderza is lost on the spot. He's forced to move the king away. Javakir Sinderov picks up the bishop, hits the black rook, and look at Alireza. You don't even need to look at the board. You don't need to look at the bar to understand what's happening. Just the clock looks away in disgust, and the clock down to less than a minute and a half. That's incredible.

Well, you know, he's in enormous time trouble because they are on move 21, and he has a minute 22 seconds to get to the increment. 20 moves to make.

And you know, Irina, I was talking to Sagar about this, that Alireza Firouzja, his reputation of being a speed specialist, a speed monster. He's a speed demon of the world, absolutely at par with Magnus, Hikaru. We've seen him do incredible things when he's under a minute in those blitz matches. But when it comes to these formats, he always has a massive deficit to start with. It's like he takes so much time at moments when he can sort of go back to basics, but trying to get those complications in. And I've seen him fall back on time over and over again and then not have enough of For critical moments against an opposition of this level, that's disaster.

Yeah, that's just such a vast time gap. And the question for Sinderov, is he going to offer a queen trade with Queen c7, or is he going to prefer to keep the queens on the board with Queen f4 and then try to put a rook on c7 somewhere? Um, I mean, he's still down a pawn, but it's not very difficult for him to win the pawn back on b7. So do we like Queen c7 here, Tanya? If we go here, you trade, trade, maybe King f7. Kind of unpleasant for Black because he still has the a6, uh, the a7 weakness to defend.

And that's not a happy position at all. You know, the White bishop is ready to jump to the center of the board, giving a check at the moment that you need it to, driving the king to a less ideal spot. You have to stay connected to the center pawn. It's a It's a very unpleasant endgame, this one. You know, you can give up the whole house on this side, but picking up that last remaining pawn on the left flank— apart from the checks, a pawn 2 steps away from queening— that is a disaster. I will not be surprised if Sinderov offers that queen trade. But it's also such a pleasant middle game to play, you know, with the black king stuck there, no coordination. Look at Alireza's queen. It's, it's gone for a whole world tour across the board but landed up at the starting Position.

Yeah, exactly. So that queen retreat was quite costly to him. Well, I think he missed the whole knight e5 concept, right? That was quite beautiful.

A little action replay of that because it really was a stunning tactic, and the speed with which Sinderov found— how sharp is he?

Yeah, that was beautiful because Black was one step away from castling and having a pretty normal position, but then this knight e5 thunderbolt appeared on the board and Black simply had no time to castle. He has to get rid of the knight But then he's in check, still no time to castle. Then this bishop gets captured with a tempo. He couldn't even block with the queen, as we saw this beautiful tactic with bishop c6 followed by queen e5. So then he winds up moving the king again and still just cannot create the harmony between his pieces. You can see how the king is in between the queen and the rooks, and the problem here for him, um, is that he just lacks that sort of that piece coordination. I don't see Alireza surviving this against Sinderov.

It just feels that he's too far behind in development, and that one tactic that Sinderov got in— again, just how super sharp he is, you know, finding positional ideas of queen trade but also striking at the moment when he's given an opportunity. We'll keep an eye on this one. Is there any board where we've had a turnaround for the TCK? They—

there have not been any turnarounds, but we can definitely take a look at how Nihal Sarin is using his extra pawn against Wei Yi because this is another board where the Fires American Gambits are doing well. And for now, I mean, yeah, Black's compensation, there really is none. The only compensation is that the extra pawn is a doubled pawn, so it's not that easy to win with it. Even beyond that, like, the pawn on d4 is on the same color as the bishop, something that cannot be making Wei Yi very happy. This White queen has a beautiful diagonal, can always place herself here. Um, so this is, this is kind of a painful position for Wei Yi to be defending right now.

Nihal Sarin needs to defend the bishop which has been hit, and Wei Yi is looking for counterplay of getting the queen infiltrated on the 2nd rank, try to hit some of Nihal's pawns right now. It's not going to be super easy to also counter those threats currently. Slight advantage for Nihal on the clock. We see it's pretty much level. He still has that extra pawn. It's 7 pawns for white, 6 for Black. Advantage Nihal. Wei Yi trying to get active with the queen. And the long-term problem, just to add to everything you said, you know, Wei Yi has that dark-squared bishop and a pawn that is fixed on a central dark square, which means it will always be a target for White to get to.

I mean, the one source of counterplay for Black is trying to get their queen in and trying to win back one of these pawns, which actually could happen. It's not that easy for white to guard this pawn, and I guess that is what Nihal is thinking about here. Maybe— I mean, he has the move Queen d1, which stops all of that, but it's also a very passive queen move that like removes the queen from a good square. So I'm not sure he's gonna go for that. I can definitely see Wei Yi drawing this game. I think there's enough counterplay for that, but it's not going to help their team. He goes in, he goes forward.

Nihal Sarin does not know anything about repeating. He comes back with the bishop. Wei Yi enters, infiltrates. With the queen hitting the b2 pawn, and it's a oh that was a glitch. No big blunders yet. Nihal's ready with his response. He pushes that h pawn, and now Wei Yi, if he wants, can grab the pawn. But White is threatening to pick up with a check. Let's have the arrows on the board so everyone can follow it. Queen a8 check, winning the pawn. And the reason that Nihal did not do this in the previous move, if you can just show that, is to hang on to another pawn, which was very important. If you pick up a6, the d3 pawn would have fallen, giving Gavei a lot of chances with the passer.

Yeah, there's no way that White would like to lose a pawn like that on d3. So let's take a look back at the icon board as Java here— Cinderella's advantage is increasing even more against Alireza Firouzja. And also Firouzja has no time. The last couple of moves have seen White offer a queen trade and win the a And let's see, I mean, I guess this pawn is going to win the game for White, Tanya.

That is 2 steps away from promotion. The bishop on g2 will be the biggest assist to get that goal in on a8. Right now it looks unstoppable, and that's the thing, that Alireza's majors, the queen and the 2 rooks, have played no role in this game. They've managed to create no activity. Meanwhile, all Sinderov keeps doing—he's pushed his rook up, and that is an inaccuracy. But he's hitting a central pawn, and Alireza Firouzja down to 23 seconds now. How do you even make the right accurate moves? Offers a rook trade. You could simply take it, win one of the pawns if you're Javakir Sinderov.

Well, we're gonna see if Firouzja can get to the increments, right? Because that's not a given when he has 23 seconds to make 13 moves in a losing position. I mean, I actually would predict that he's not going to make.

And also, in what condition does he make it? You can make it to the 40th move, but if you're completely busted on the board, that's going to get you nowhere. Watch Sindarov win another pawn on the next move. Alireza trades. He's got 23 seconds on the clock. He's setting up some checks, but that's the maximum that you're getting in. You have no pieces to assist in an attack against the white king. The white king simply hides on the corner.

Yeah, white has some very pleasant choices here. I mean, the only thing is that he doesn't want to lose that powerful pawn, so I probably Wouldn't be capturing this way, but rook takes b5 is very safe. There could be other moves as well, but you can go queen b7 and just try to promote the pawn.

Looks like a very strong idea. Just get the queen out of the way, start pushing the pawn right now, and Javokir Sindarov is in full control in his position. And we have a result between Bibisara and Zhu Jin'er, and that one ends peacefully. So the result The score right now for these two teams tied at two-two, and I think Javakir Sindarov is about to break that tie.

This is going to be the decisive game of the match. It's very possible that this is going to be the only game in the match that's going to have a decisive result.

So you're predicting five draws and a win by Javakir on the icon board.

That's what the positions are currently.

We have another result arena coming in with a draw on the Daniel Dubov versus Arvind. Again, a very balanced game till the end. Dubov had some chances, but Daniel Arvind even solid enough.

Now coming back to our icon board, Javakir's rook under attack, and Firouzja having just 15 seconds for more than 10 moves.

Alireza Firouzja, can he keep the game going? Can he get to 40th move to get those extra 2 seconds? And can he stop, most importantly, Javakir's pawn from queening?

Yeah, also make sure making sure that we don't blunder the rook. So probably some move like rook takes d four can be played here. He's thinking which pawn to take.

You could pick up one of the two pawns. You could throw in a check at the center of the board. Jabukir Sindarov down to about two minutes on the clock right now, but feels like it should be enough for him. Alireza has to decide. He will not place the king on the way. To stop the rook, he'll move it sideways, making sure that the black rook can at least play a part in defense. Queen takes pawn, and again, as you predicted, all the boards are ending in a draw right now, Irina. Nihal Sarin, Wei Yi draw. The match will be decided on this one. It's all eyes on this with five seconds for Alireza Firouzja, and Alireza Firouzja does not even fight. There is nothing left to fight on that board. The a pawn one step away from queening, everything falling apart on the other side. The queen coming in with checks, and Alireza puts his hand forward, fires American Gambit with a 3-pointer, and it should be enough to clinch the match.

Yeah, I mean, let— the only game remaining is between, uh, Pranav and Marc-Andrea Morizi. So let's take a look there. I mean, they don't have a lot of time, so anything can still happen despite the fact that white is up a pawn. But yes, it is pretty difficult for Pranav to make anything out of this position.

But he can play against the clock right now. Pranav can play against Mark's time, who is down to 24 seconds. And as long as you've got those knights on the board, there are always tricks.

And queens on the board. Queens and rooks, right? I mean, absolutely. In blitz chess, there's still a chance. He, he knows that his team needs him to win, so he's got to play for the win despite being down a pawn.

And there we see 18 seconds right now.

But it's hard to avoid a queen trade. Mark Andrea Morizi is trying to force a queen trade because this knight is under attack, the queen is under—

and that's the problem, right? If the queens are off the board, then the extra pawn becomes that much more valuable. How do you avoid it? With 2 threats at the same time. A great find by Mark, this one. And if Mark wins this, it's over. But if Pranav can flag, then Pranav takes the win with the black pieces for his team, not just his board.

Yeah, but it's getting harder and harder as the pieces are coming off. I mean, Black is the one in a worse position, and there's no more chance to attack the king. The White d-pawn goes. What move does Black play? Maybe King f8 here, maybe Knight e6, but there's not really a way to take advantage of this pin currently because this pawn can always be used to attack the rook.

And now it's Pranav who's also facing danger on his clock. That d-pawn that you highlighted, he gives up the knight only to promote that pawn. It's going to be given up. He finds a defense, but it's not going to be enough because a draw still means that Mark's team, the Fires American Gambits, take it. And take it they do at the end of it. A draw on this board. 5 draws, a single win. And Irina, that came on the Icon board. And a happy Fires American Gambits there.

Well, Java here, Sinderov delivered for his team again, and he moves up to +2 on his board. Um, Firouzja losing a second game in this event, still hasn't gotten a win. And this was very painful for the Trevanny Continental Kings because now they have 5 match losses, you know.

And you look at the team and it almost feels like they're giving up on their chances right now. It's like they haven't been able to score on a single board consistently. Finding that stop there, and let's Feel the vibe of the fans there who are cheering for the Fires American Gambits.

Let's go to the arbiter for the final match.

Can I have your attention please for one minute, maybe one and a half minutes?

I don't know.

I would like to announce you the result of the match that's just been finished.

The Fires American Gambits beat the Treveni Continental Kings by.

8 to 5.

I would like to invite the team captains to sign the results.

Meanwhile, let me invite you for the next match, will be tomorrow at 3:30 PM. Thank you so much. And Sinderov there with a clutch performance for his team on the icon board. The only decisive result came from that board, 5-8 victory for the fires.

American Gambits with the white pieces, they held the initiative from the very beginning of this match. Uh, they were better on boards 1 and 2. They never seemed to be in danger, and They finally got one key win that allowed them to take the match.

You know, Irina, I watch Ravikant Sandarov performing, the way he plays, his uncompromising style, arriving at the board every time wanting that fight. And of course, we know that this young man from Uzbekistan has this big challenge ahead of him, fighting for his first crown for the World Championship. And it just feels like he's doing everything right right now on his preparation. You know, there's so much of it about Not letting his World Championship preparation go through in the Global Chess League, yet coming and performing for his team at the top board every single match. As we saw the teams walk in for the Trevini Continental Kings, this was about survival, and they did not survive.

They did not. This matches didn't go so well for them. And you know, Cinderavia, he's doing an amazing job leading his team, putting the pressure on his opponents.

Now he's moved to.

a +2 score on the Icon board. He's moved all the way up from the Prodigy board over the 3— over the 4 seasons of the Global Chess League, and he continues to perform very well as he moves higher up on the boards.

And that's exactly what the FIDE American Gambits want Jaboukie to do over the next few rounds as they join in on the race to that top 2. A team that's been the hot talk of town, you know, coming in With speed specialist, and this one as well. Nihal Sarin such a key player. It ended in a draw, but Nihal putting so much pressure on Wei Yi. He won one pawn, could have won another, kept things under control. And while all five boards ended in a draw, it was all eyes on this one. And something is going very wrong with Alireza.

Yeah, I mean, well, he still got a few more rounds to get to get a win. But in this game, maybe he saw. Match situation, and he thought that they needed for him to play for a win on his board, and he wasn't satisfied with those scenarios where he was defending those endgames. And the pivotal decision in his match was when he retreated his queen to keep the queens on the board, but that only deteriorated his position. Maybe it was a little bit of a match decision, like he wanted to keep it more complicated.

And complicated is what the fires American gambits denied the. The scoreline says 5 to 8, and it might seem close, but a very controlled performance. Sagar, you're back here with us. As you see Javakir Bibisara sign on, the fans, you know, they've got this beautiful anthem that announces his name over and over again. Sindarov, Rov, Rov, Rov. They love him here. But there is this feeling that for Indian chess fans, there's a big match coming up, and Javakir is proving to be a very worthy challenger. Yeah, Jaukir is like looking invincible.

Like the way he played today was incredible. And as you guys mentioned, such a good performance. I was sitting there and watching the match live, and I saw that on almost no board were they under pressure. That's brilliant. I mean, it's, it's just putting them right at the top, uh, this team, the Fyers American Gambits.

And a lot of signatures have been given. A lot of fans have been here. Sagar, we also saw you around with the fans playing some chess there as well. I'm trying to spot your sign there. I think I just spotted it at the end. But Harika, this is such a big moment for people from Bengaluru to be here to watch 36 of the world's elite grandmasters and interact with them. And to your point, is what even Irina was saying, you know. And you predicted this, Irina. 5 draws and 1 win.

Oh, really?

And it's going to come from the IPL.

Well, I predicted it at some point during the match, Sagar.

So it wasn't like some amazing prediction.

Amazing prediction. But yes, they were led by one win by Javahir Sindarov on the first board. The rest of the games were draws. And this is very important for the Fires American Gambits because now they move to 3rd position in the league and they send the Triveni Continental Kings to the sole last position still with their 6 match points.

Do you think that the Triveni Continental Kings are out of the running from top 2 spots?

Well, I mean, I actually had a little conversation with ChatGPT about that. Because I wanted to know what, what it takes to, to make it into the top 2. And 5 point— 5 match wins, I mean, it's still maybe technically possible, but I think normally you need more. You need like 6 wins. Now they only have 2. There's only 3 more games for them. Even if they win all their matches, they get to 5. It's gonna be a matter of tiebreaks.

So I would say they have to win by big margins if they want to have any chance.

Yeah, and they have to win all their matches now.

And that's the whole thing, that even then fate might not be in their hands. They will need some other results to go their way. So this is going to be a very tough uphill task. And maybe we can have our standings up, our updated standings, to take a look at where the teams stand. This was our final match of the day, and for Triveni Continental Kings, that's meant 2 losses today. And even from a psychological outlook here, Irina, to come back looking for those wins tomorrow is going to be very hard for this team.

Yeah, absolutely. But, you know, we know that everyone can make a turnaround in this league. And all the players individually are just so amazing. So I wouldn't count them out. But yes, in terms of just objectively their situation in the league, it is pretty tough right now.

Yeah. Actually, the thing is, when they lost 3 games in a row, they did something very special to win 2 and come back. Now, again, when they are down, to come back again, that would be tough.

It's going to be very uphill— an uphill battle. But the one team that proved themselves, the fires American Gambits. I think everyone knows this time who will be the player of the match.

Hello and welcome to the post-match presentation ceremony. The Fires American Gambits have won this game. What a comeback after three consecutive losses! This was a big one. This is something that they needed today with only four games remaining in the next couple half of the tournament. Well, let's call upon the team. They would be in high spirits. Give it up for the Fires American Gambits. Sara, a great day at office today. Uh, everybody else with draws, Javakir with the win. You got the job done. Yeah, it's very nice to win, and I mean, I think we all played fine today and And we didn't have like some good days, but I think now we are back. Y'all got off to an exceptional start on the first day, you know, 2 games, won both, and in such flying colors that we thought, wow, this is going to be the team at the top and this is going to be the team to win. Unfortunately, lost the next couple of games, but this comeback was needed and it came at the right time. Yeah.

Yeah, I mean, the whole team, they are very good players.

But, um, like, for myself, I had a very bad tournament, so I think of myself as one of the reasons we didn't go in, uh, good— do good in one, uh, like, the days. But, uh, I think we're—

we will try for the last days.

Sara, but I think it's a team tournament, right? I mean, at the end of the day, yes, personal performances do matter, but it is the team that's winning it, and you're doing it for the team. So I think the next couple of games you will come back strong. Especially getting that encouragement from the team. Yeah, of course, it's a team competition, so you don't really think about yourself, and if the team wins, then you're happy too. Absolutely. Bibi Sara, Five American Gambits back at the top of the leaderboard. I mean, this should count for something. Uh, yeah, I'm very happy that we won.

We have amazing icon player and all the other players. Unfortunately, I played bad here, but I will try to come back and win some games.

Definitely. You know, half the tournament is yet left, a little less than half, but then you've always got opportunities to come back.

I hope so.

All right then, let's move on to the Player of the Match award. And to give that, may I please call upon Mr. Anil Kumar, representative Pocket FM. Congratulations, you were the game changer for your team today.

Yeah, thank you so much. Yeah, like today game was very interesting and I'm happy that all players played very well today and I think all boards we are just pushing.

But yeah, at the end some games in draw and yeah, and Alireza spent too much time to think and like yeah, and miss some tactics tricks. But anyway, I'm happy that we We come back after 3 tough losses, so we'll try our best for next days.

You know, what we did see is while you were playing, the game was yet on, you did have your eyes on the other boards and what was happening around. You know, after everybody drew their games, did you think that it was your responsibility now to win it for the team? Yeah, some moment I was—

I'm pretty sure just I'm winning game. And you know, I don't want to play too fast because Alireza, all we know, he can do his best in time trouble. So I'm just taking all the games, playing too relaxed and didn't, you know, didn't play very fast.

So, but then, yeah, I saw like everyone going into draw and yeah, I was so happy that like we won the match.

Well, congratulations on today's win, a very crucial win. And I know, I think probably you all will unwind, celebrate by going for a paddle session. I'll see you there. Yeah, thank you. That is the Fires American Gambits winning their final game of today. Tanya, back to you.

Congratulations to the Fires American Gambit. You can see them behind right there. And I have to say, Javakir Sindarov winning it on the board, winning it for the Fires American Gambit, and also winning at live How sweet was that when Bibisara said that, you know what, we have a really strong icon?

Yeah, I was like, that's really nice of Bibisara to, you know, her tournament is not going so well, but she can already sort of root for Jaoheer, who is her very good friend. At the same time, they are part of one team. It's very nice to see them together.

Yeah, it hits differently when Bibisara says it than when other players say it about their icon. Of course, isn't it?

Yeah, I'm with Irina on this one. And that is where we are at the end of a blockbuster day with 4 matches that saw so many turnarounds and shocking results and comebacks and all the storylines we can hope for from the Global Chess League. And at the end of this, here's where we stand. Irina, looking at it, you know, 3 teams with 12 match points, what stands out to you on our leaderboard?

Well, what stands out is that the fires American Gambits have played played 7 matches. So in reality, the Alpine APL Pipers and the Ganges Grandmasters are in a better position because they still have one more match to play. So I would say those are the 2 teams there in the top 2 positions. Fires American Gambits have guaranteed, guaranteed themselves a 3rd position right now, and, um, that's a pretty good place from where to fight for a spot in the finals.

Yes, I, I think in general, uh, the Czech Mumba Masters and the PBG Alaskan still have chances to make it to the top. But the Triveni Continental Kings, they seem to be now having very little chances to make it to the top 2.

And I, I know exactly why you're saying that, Sagar. It feels that even if mathematically it's possible Triveni Continental Kings win all their games, they get all the results that they need, you know, it's also fighting your own mind after everything that's happening, finding the motivation to strike back. And when I I see Alireza, it just feels like he's struggling with that. The amount of time that he consumed against Javokir and then missing the tactics that he did, it just doesn't add up.

I think Javokir is the Alireza of this season. Like, what Alireza did in 2025 is what Javokir is doing this season. Uh, he's just in tremendous form, and Alireza is unrecognizable somehow.

And PPG Alaskan Knights and the Czech Mumba Masters, in the middle of that leaderboard We can't write them off just yet, Irina.

No, they're just 1 match point behind. So actually, the Alpine, uh, APL Pipers and the Ganges Grandmasters, they're gonna have to play their final 7th match against each other. So only one of them is gonna go ahead. That means the Fires American Gams is gonna be in a tie for 2nd place with one of those teams, and they're going to be 1 match ahead of teams 4 and 5 who are still gonna have realistic chances to catch them.

I'll just add to that that Czech Mumbai Masters are going to do their best to target the Triveni Continental Kings. When you know that a team is struggling and you're the Mumbai Masters somewhere in the middle of the leaderboard, you want to make the most of that opportunity. This is what we have in store for you coming up tomorrow. Four mouthwatering clashes. Which one are you most excited about, Sagar? The match number twenty-three.

We'll get to see Magnus and Vishy once again playing against.

Each other, and I'm most excited about match 21 Alpine APL Pipers versus Ganges to see who's going to take the top spot in the leaderboard.

That's a big one with Magnus Carlsen taking on Jan Nepomniachtchi. So we'll have Magnus twice in the arena today. Tomorrow. Tomorrow. Today has been fantastic with four of our matches. Thank you so much, Arena. It was so much fun calling the action on that final game, and Sagar Bhai. We've been watching you at the back having fun with the fans, calling the action. I don't even know how much you're doing, uploading videos, you're everywhere. I don't know where you get the energy.

I can't go to the golf though. I wanted to come to the golf course today, but that has to wait, Tanya. I saw your shot, that was very impressive.

I held the club for the first time and I will say I was proud of what I did there. Maybe golf will be coming up later, but right now looking at Javakir holding That trophy for his fans. It's been a fantastic day for the Fires American Gambit getting that big win, and the Alpine Pipers of course staying at the top there. We saw the clashes that are coming up tomorrow. Chat, it's been awesome doing this, and we'll be back with everything from the Global Chess League tomorrow. Same time, same place. We'll see you then.