Gukesh Draws with Nakamura in GCL Opener as PBG Alaskan Knights Fall Short
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Mumbai, India - In a highly anticipated match at the Royal Opera House, 19-year-old chess sensation D Gukesh drew his opening game in the Global Chess League (GCL) against world No. 2 Hikaru Nakamura. The reigning classical world champion's team, PBG Alaskan Knights, ultimately lost to the Hikaru-led American Gambits 8-5 in the day's final match. The GCL, held in India for the first time, saw some thrilling matches on its opening day. The upGrad Mumba Masters made a strong statement, routing Ganges Grandmasters 17-4 with four wins across the six boards. Maxime Vachier-Lagrave played a key role in this victory, beating Viswanathan Anand with black. The Masters' momentum continued with a decisive win on the prodigy board, courtesy of Bardiya Daneshvar's error-exploiting strategy. Other notable results included Teodora Injac's 3-0 win over Sara Khadem, which swung the match in favor of the American Gambits. Meanwhile, the Triveni Continental Kings began their title defense with a 9-7 win over Alpine SG Pipers. The day's events showcased the incredible talent and skill of the world's top chess players. As the GCL continues, fans can expect more intense and exciting matches. With Gukesh's draw against Nakamura, the young Indian champion has set the stage for a thrilling competition.