The PBG Alaskan Knights secured third place in the Tech Mahindra Global Chess League Season 3 after a thrilling contest against the Ganges Grandmasters that went down to the wire on December 23, 2025.
The battle for bronze medal proved to be an epic encounter, requiring multiple tiebreakers before the Knights finally emerged victorious. After the regulation matches were split 2-2 in the first encounter and 3.5-2.5 in the second, the teams headed into rapid tiebreakers to determine the winner.
Match 1: Grandmasters Strike First
The opening match saw the Grandmasters take control with a commanding 4-2 victory. Young sensation Arjun Erigaisi delivered a masterclass, dismantling Vincent Keymer’s position in a complex middlegame. The Indian star showed why he’s rated among the world’s elite, converting his advantage with clinical precision.
Veteran Viswanathan Anand rolled back the years with a vintage performance against World Champion Gukesh D, demonstrating his enduring class in their head-to-head battle. The Grandmasters’ women’s section also contributed crucial points, giving the team a strong psychological advantage.
Match 2: Knights Fight Back
The Knights responded brilliantly in the second match, leveling the overall contest 3.5-2.5. Erigaisi continued his spectacular form with another win over Keymer, but the Knights found heroes elsewhere. Leinier Dominguez Perez produced a crucial victory, while the team showed tremendous fighting spirit across all boards.
The clash between Gukesh and Anand ended in a hard-fought draw, with both champions displaying their tactical prowess in a game that kept spectators on edge throughout.
Tiebreaker Drama
With the match tied, rapid chess tiebreakers ensued. The first tiebreaker ended 3.5-2.5 in favor of the Knights, forcing a final showdown. The tension was palpable as players faced off in the ultimate 3-minute blitz format.
In the decisive encounter, Gukesh found his form when it mattered most, defeating Anand in a crucial board one encounter. Daniel Dardha proved to be the Knights’ unsung hero, delivering vital points in both tiebreakers. Kateryna Lagno bounced back from earlier setbacks to secure an important win, showcasing her experience under pressure.
The Knights’ 4-2 victory in the final tiebreaker sealed their bronze medal triumph, ending what had been a grueling battle spanning multiple formats.
Final Verdict
While the Grandmasters will rue missed opportunities, especially Keymer’s struggles against Erigaisi, the Knights showed remarkable resilience. Their ability to regroup after the opening setback and maintain composure through the tiebreakers proved decisive.
The match showcased the beauty of team chess, where veterans and rising stars combined their strengths in pursuit of glory. For the PBG Alaskan Knights, the bronze medal represents a fitting reward for their tenacity and team spirit throughout the tournament.
Final Score:
- Match 1: Ganges Grandmasters 4-2 PBG Alaskan Knights
- Match 2: PBG Alaskan Knights 3.5-2.5 Ganges Grandmasters
- Tiebreaker 1: PBG Alaskan Knights 3.5-2.5 Ganges Grandmasters
- Tiebreaker 2: PBG Alaskan Knights 4-2 Ganges Grandmasters
Result: PBG Alaskan Knights secure 3rd Place
