| PBG Alaskan Knights | 11-6 | Alpine SG Pipers |
|---|---|---|
| GM Gukesh D | 4-0 | GM Caruana, Fabiano |
| GM Erigaisi Arjun | 4-0 | GM Giri, Anish |
| GM Dominguez Perez, Leinier | 1-1 | GM Praggnanandhaa R |
| GM Lagno, Kateryna | 0-3 | GM Hou, Yifan |
| GM Khademalsharieh, Sarasadat | 1-1 | GM Batsiashvili, Nino |
| GM Dardha, Daniel | 1-1 | GM Mendonca, Leon Luke |
The PBG Alaskan Knights delivered a statement performance, crushing the Alpine SG Pipers 11-6 in Match 30 at the Royal Opera House. With India’s rising stars Gukesh D and Arjun Erigaisi leading the charge with maximum-point victories, the Knights demonstrated why they’re serious title contenders.
Gukesh Stuns Caruana
World Champion Gukesh D set the tone with a stunning upset over Fabiano Caruana on the icon board. Despite Caruana’s early pressure, Gukesh showed nerves of steel, sacrificing material to create devastating counterplay. The young champion’s pieces coordinated brilliantly, launching a ferocious attack that left the American superstar scrambling. As Black’s threats multiplied, Caruana’s position crumbled spectacularly. The resignation on move 56 gave the Knights crucial 4 points and electrified the venue.
Arjun Completes the Rout
Arjun Erigaisi doubled the damage on board two, demolishing Anish Giri in ruthless fashion. After building steady pressure through the opening, Arjun unleashed a tactical storm that Giri couldn’t contain. Black’s pieces invaded White’s position with devastating precision, and despite Giri’s desperate defense, the outcome never looked in doubt. The resignation on move 52 after Black promoted a passed pawn sealed another maximum-point haul and put the Knights firmly in control.
Draws Keep Everyone Honest
Board three witnessed an intense battle between Praggnanandhaa and Leinier Dominguez that ended in a tense draw after 35 moves. With both players creating threats but neither able to break through, the point split kept both teams’ hopes alive heading into the remaining boards.
The women’s board five followed suit, with Sarasadat Khademalsharieh and Nino Batsiashvili fighting to a hard-earned draw after 32 moves of complex maneuvering. The prodigy board completed the draw trifecta, as Leon Luke Mendonca and Daniel Dardha battled for 42 moves before agreeing to split the point.
Hou Delivers Knockout Punch
Hou Yifan provided the final decisive moment on board four, overpowering Kateryna Lagno with surgical precision. The Chinese superstar launched a brilliant attacking display, sacrificing material to expose Black’s king. Her pieces swarmed forward with lethal coordination, and the finish was spectacular—a devastating checkmate threat forced resignation on move 20 as White’s pawns crashed through decisively.
Emphatic Statement
The 11-6 scoreline tells the complete story. Two massive 4-point victories from Gukesh and Arjun, combined with Hou’s clinical strike, gave the Knights an insurmountable advantage. The three draws meant the Pipers couldn’t mount a comeback despite their best efforts.
For the PBG Alaskan Knights, this dominant performance showcases their championship credentials. When your top boards deliver maximum points against elite opposition, victories follow naturally.
For the Alpine SG Pipers, this defeat stings. Despite featuring stars like Caruana, Giri, and Hou Yifan, they couldn’t contain the Knights’ attacking brilliance. The loss of both super-board battles proved decisive.
