After five pulsating rounds that have seen leadership shifts and dramatic turnarounds, the title race remains gloriously wide open heading into Day 6. The defending champions Triveni Continental Kings claimed sole leadership on December 18 with a commanding 9–5 victory over upGrad Mumbai Masters, but their rivals remain just three points back—and with four matches scheduled today, the landscape could transform entirely.
The standings tell a compelling story: Triveni Continental Kings lead on 12 Match Points, while upGrad Mumbai Masters and Ganges Grandmasters sit locked on 9 points each. The chasing pack of FYERS American Gambits (6 points) and Alpine SG Pipers (6 points) refuse to surrender, and PBG Alaskan Knights finally found their footing with a maiden victory—defeating Alpine 12–8 to claim 3 points.
Match 16: FYERS American Gambits vs PBG Alaskan Knights (15:30 IST)
The day’s opening encounter pits two teams desperate for momentum. The American Gambits suffered a narrow 8–7 loss to Ganges on Day 5 despite the brilliance of Javokhir Sindarov’s deflating victory for the opposition. The Alaskan Knights, meanwhile, arrive here riding the confidence of their breakthrough win, with the momentum potentially shifting in their favour.
Match 17: Alpine SG Pipers vs Triveni Continental Kings (17:00 IST)
The league’s defending champions face the Alpine outfit fresh off a disappointing loss. Alireza Firouzja has been unstoppable, extending his personal unbeaten run, and the Icon board matchup between him and Fabiano Caruana promises fireworks. Alpine will need their collective firepower to trouble a Triveni team that’s found their rhythm at precisely the right moment.
Match 18: upGrad Mumbai Masters vs Ganges Grandmasters (18:30 IST)
The third match reunites two sides separated by just three match points and locked in the tightest title race imaginable. Both teams possess star-studded lineups capable of devastating performances. This encounter could prove decisive in determining which team emerges as the genuine title contender heading into the second half of the double round-robin.
Match 19: Triveni Continental Kings vs PBG Alaskan Knights (20:00 IST)
The evening’s finale sees Triveni face the resurgent Knights in what could be a straightforward encounter for the leaders—or a potential banana skin against an opponent riding newfound confidence and seeking to announce their title credentials.
What to Expect
Today’s extraordinary quadruple-header marks the tournament’s intensity reaching a crescendo. With just four matches remaining after today, every result carries championship-defining weight. Expect tactical brilliance, time pressure drama, and perhaps more stunning upsets from teams refusing to surrender their title hopes.
