| PBG Alaskan Knights | 9-7 | Ganges Grandmasters |
|---|---|---|
| GM Gukesh D | 1-1 | GM Anand, Viswanathan |
| GM Erigaisi Arjun | 3-0 | GM Keymer, Vincent |
| GM Dominguez Perez, Leinier | 1-1 | GM Sindarov, Javokhir |
| GM Lagno, Kateryna | 0-4 | GM Shuvalova, Polina |
| GM Khademalsharieh, Sarasadat | 3-0 | GM Tsolakidou, Stavroula |
| GM Dardha, Daniel | 1-1 | GM Sadhwani, Raunak |
The PBG Alaskan Knights held their nerve to overcome the Ganges Grandmasters 9-7 in Match 23 at the Royal Opera House. In a battle between two championship contenders, the Knights’ young stars delivered when it mattered most, securing a crucial victory despite the Grandmasters’ fierce resistance.
Legends Battle to a Standstill
The icon board produced a fascinating encounter between two Indian champions. World Champion Gukesh D and five-time World Champion Viswanathan Anand traded ideas in a tense positional struggle that ebbed and flowed for 67 moves. After creating threats and defending counterattacks in equal measure, both legends agreed to split the point, setting the stage for a closely contested match.
Erigaisi Strikes First
Board two witnessed Arjun Erigaisi at his ruthless best. Against Vincent Keymer, the Indian star launched a blistering attack that left Black scrambling for survival. After sacrificing material to expose Keymer’s king, Erigaisi’s pieces coordinated beautifully, hunting down Black’s monarch across the board. The resignation on move 36 gave the Knights their first decisive advantage.
Draws Keep It Close
Leinier Dominguez Perez and Javokhir Sindarov engaged in a strategic battle on board three that neither could crack. After 32 moves of maneuvering, the players agreed to peace, ensuring the match remained within reach for both sides.
Daniel Dardha and Raunak Sadhwani also couldn’t break through on board six. Their 33-move draw meant the match outcome would hinge entirely on the women’s boards.
Shuvalova Strikes Back
Polina Shuvalova delivered a masterful performance to keep the Grandmasters alive. Against Kateryna Lagno on board four, Shuvalova built mounting pressure throughout the game, eventually breaking through with a devastating attack. As Black’s pieces swarmed White’s exposed king, Lagno had no defense. The resignation on move 43 cut the Knights’ lead and set up a tense finish.
Khademalsharieh Seals Victory
With the match hanging in the balance, Sarasadat Khademalsharieh rose to the occasion on board five. Against Stavroula Tsolakidou, the Iranian grandmaster played with precision and power, gradually building a winning position. After launching a spectacular attack that crashed through Black’s defenses, Tsolakidou’s resistance crumbled. The resignation on move 47 sealed the match for the Knights at 9-7.
Championship Statement
The Knights’ two-point victory demonstrates their championship credentials. Despite three draws keeping the match competitive, Erigaisi and Khademalsharieh delivered decisive blows when needed. For the Grandmasters, Shuvalova’s win showed fighting spirit, but they’ll rue the missed opportunities on other boards.
In a league where every point matters, the Knights proved they have the depth and determination to compete with the very best. Both teams showcased the quality that makes the Global Chess League unmissable entertainment.
