Candidates Chess: Vidit Gujrathi suffers second straight loss, draws for D Gukesh, R Praggnanandhaa

Vidit Gujrathi was beaten for a second straight game, going down to GM Ian Nepomniachtchi at the Candidates Chess tournament in Toronto. R Praggnanandhaa and D Gukesh earned draws in the fourth round of the competition. In the women’s draw, Koneru Humpy suffered a surprise loss to IM Nurgyul Salimova.

Following the fourth round, D Gukesh is tied second with USA’s Fabiano Caruana with 2.5 points while Nepomniachtchi in the sole lead with three points. Praggnanandhaa is fourth with two points. Gujrathi, meanwhile, is bottom with 1.5 points. In the women’s standings, Vaishali Rameshbabu is tied third with two points while Humpy is tied sixth with 1.5 points.

In his post-match conversation, Hikaru Nakamura lauded Praggnanandhaa: “The future is looking really bright for Pragg,” even entertaining the idea that the Indian GM is a potential successor to Carlsen’s number-one rating spot in the future.

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Bulgaria’s Salimova caused quite a stir in the women’s event. Ever since breaking onto the international circuit at the 2023 FIDE World Cup, she has been one for everyone to sit up and take notice. Despite being the only IM in the field, a win over Humpy showed she’s a force to be reckoned with.