The much-awaited Pragyanand-Magnus Carlsen conflict within the eighth spherical of the Julius Baer Cup led to a draw. The Indian had twice defeated the Norwegian ace in on-line matches earlier this season. The world champion applauded the 17-year-old Indian for his recreation and confirmed a thumbs up on the finish of his recreation.
Pragyananand began the day with a draw in opposition to Radoslav Wojtczyk within the fifth spherical, earlier than subduing high-ranked German Vincent Keimer within the subsequent recreation.
After the conclusion of the second day of opening matches on Tuesday, Arigasi are two factors away from Pragyanandana and world champion Carlsen (15 factors).
Arigasi began the day with a win over Hans Niemann (USA) and defeated Levon Aronian.
Day 2 Couples! https://t.co/8WWUDCCZjH @chess24com @ChampChessTour pic.twitter.com/zizOvghs3B
— Pragnananda (@rpragchess) September 19, 2022
The all-India conflict between Arigasi and Pragyananand led to a 67-move draw. Later within the closing eighth spherical of the day, he shared the distinction with Ivan Saric of Croatia.
Meanwhile, Carlsen resigned from his recreation in opposition to Niemann after solely two strikes. The world champion got here right into a sixth-round bout after shedding to the 19-year-old American on the Sinckfield Cup in St. Louis, after he accused his opponent of dishonest and was kicked out of the event.
Carlsen later received over Aronian within the seventh spherical earlier than sharing the distinction with Pragyanand.
Bhaskaran Adhiban, the third Indian within the fray, is final within the 16-player occasion with three factors. He will face Pragyananand within the ninth spherical.
Veteran Ukrainian participant Vasil Ivanchuk continued to impress and is fourth with 13 factors.
The 53-year-old didn’t have a worthwhile time as on the primary day however managed to finish it with a win over Keimer. He had misplaced within the final two rounds to American teenager Christopher Yu and Poland’s Wojtszek.
After the completion of the preliminary spherical, the event will transfer to a knockout earlier than a two-day closing. The eight-day occasion will run until September 25 and can characteristic 16 gamers from three generations.
With inputs from TheIndianEXPRESS
