NEW DELHI: World champion D Gukesh bounced back from successive defeats with a commanding victory over Slovenia’s Vladimir Fedoseev in the eighth round of the Tata Steel Masters on Monday, a result that should provide a timely boost to his confidence.
Playing with the black pieces, the Indian ace was in control for much of the game and produced a picturesque finish by sacrificing his rook before sealing the contest in 41 moves. Gukesh had been in good form until the first rest day but stumbled with back-to-back losses before finally arresting the slide.
Arjun Erigaisi survived a difficult position against compatriot Aravindh Chithambaram to escape with a draw, while R Praggnanandhaa showed resilience in a pawn-down endgame to hold 14-year-old Turkish talent Yagiz Kaan Erdogmus.
Local favourite Anish Giri threw the tournament wide open with an impressive win over overnight leader Nodirbek Abdusattorov of Uzbekistan. Despite the setback, Abdusattorov remained in sole lead on 5.5 points after his closest challenger and compatriot Javokhir Sindarov was held to a draw by Germany’s Vincent Keymer.
With five rounds remaining, Abdusattorov leads Sindarov by half a point. The round produced just two decisive results from seven games, leaving Erdogmus joint third alongside American Hans Moke Niemann and Dutchman Jorden van Foreest.
