| Ganges Grandmasters | 5-14 | Triveni Continental Kings |
|---|---|---|
| GM Anand, Viswanathan | 0-4 | GM Firouzja, Alireza |
| GM Keymer, Vincent | 1-1 | GM Wei, Yi |
| GM Sindarov, Javokhir | 3-0 | GM Vidit, Santosh Gujrathi |
| GM Shuvalova, Polina | 0-4 | GM Zhu, Jiner |
| GM Tsolakidou, Stavroula | 0-4 | GM Kosteniuk, Alexandra |
| GM Sadhwani, Raunak | 1-1 | GM Maurizzi, Marc’Andria |
The Triveni Continental Kings delivered a crushing blow to the Ganges Grandmasters, winning Match 25 by a commanding 14-5 margin at the Royal Opera House. In a match that quickly turned into a rout, the Kings’ trio of Alireza Firouzja, Zhu Jiner, and Alexandra Kosteniuk scored maximum points to hand the Grandmasters one of their heaviest defeats of the season.
Firouzja’s Masterclass Stuns Anand
The icon board set the tone for the evening’s drama. Alireza Firouzja faced legendary Viswanathan Anand in what became a tactical showcase. After navigating through a sharp opening, Firouzja gradually built pressure on Anand’s position. The young superstar’s aggressive play paid dividends as he launched a fierce attack, winning material and leaving Anand’s defenses in tatters. The game ended after 48 moves when Firouzja’s pieces completely overwhelmed the five-time World Champion, giving the Kings a crucial early lead.
Draw Offers No Relief
Board two provided the only moment of resistance for the Grandmasters. Vincent Keymer and Wei Yi engaged in a tense battle that exploded into wild complications. After both players created dangerous attacking chances and traded threats in rapid succession, neither could break through. The draw after 22 moves of pure adrenaline kept the Grandmasters breathing, but barely.
Sindarov’s Lone Bright Spot
Javokhir Sindarov provided the Grandmasters’ only victory on board three, defeating Vidit Santosh Gujrathi in spectacular fashion. Sindarov sacrificed material early to expose Vidit’s king, then relentlessly pursued the attack. His pieces coordinated beautifully as passed pawns marched down the board unstoppably. The resignation on move 53 gave the Grandmasters hope, but it proved to be their final moment of celebration.
Zhu Demolishes Shuvalova
Board four witnessed a clinical performance from Zhu Jiner. Against Polina Shuvalova, Zhu played with patience and precision, building her advantage piece by piece. After winning material decisively, she launched a devastating attack that Shuvalova couldn’t contain. The finish came swiftly on move 54 as Zhu’s passed pawns and active pieces forced resignation, pushing the Kings further ahead.
Kosteniuk Delivers the Knockout
Former Women’s World Champion Alexandra Kosteniuk provided the final hammer blow on board five. Against Stavroula Tsolakidou, Kosteniuk demonstrated her championship pedigree with brilliant attacking play. After creating threats across the board, she sacrificed material to expose White’s king. The spectacular finish came on move 34 when Kosteniuk’s pieces delivered checkmate, sealing the emphatic victory for the Kings.
Maurizzi Holds Firm
The prodigy board offered no relief for the Grandmasters. Marc’Andria Maurizzi battled Raunak Sadhwani to a hard-fought draw after 44 moves. With both players defending resourcefully, the game ended in repetition, finalizing the lopsided 14-5 scoreline.
Statement Victory
The Kings’ dominant performance sends a clear message across the league. Three perfect scores from Firouzja, Zhu, and Kosteniuk—each earning 4 points—showcase the team’s incredible depth and firepower. When your stars deliver simultaneously, matches become one-sided affairs.
For the Ganges Grandmasters, this heavy defeat raises serious questions. Despite Sindarov’s brilliant victory, the team collapsed across multiple boards. Losing the icon board badly and suffering defeats on boards four and five proved catastrophic.
