The UpGrad Mumba Masters delivered a crushing blow in Match 11 of Global Chess League Season 3, overwhelming the PBG Alaskan Knights with an emphatic 18-2 victory at Chess.com. In what can only be described as a masterclass in team chess, the Mumba Masters won four boards while securing draws on two others, leaving the Knights with just a consolation draw to show for their efforts.
Total Domination Across the Board
While World Champion Gukesh D held Maxime Vachier-Lagrave to a draw on Board 1 in a repetitive ending, that lone half-point proved to be the Knights’ only resistance of the day.
The floodgates opened on Board 2, where Wesley So outplayed Arjun Erigaisi in a tense Queen’s Gambit Declined. After a balanced opening, So gradually improved his position, and when the smoke cleared after 56 moves, the American star had claimed a crucial full point for the Masters.
Board 3 saw Leinier Dominguez Perez and Shakhriyar Mamedyarov battle to a draw in a sharp Petroff Defense, providing brief respite for the Knights. But it was all downhill from there.
The Women Deliver the Knockout
The women’s boards proved decisive in this lopsided contest. On Board 4, Humpy Koneru unleashed an aggressive Modern Defense setup against Kateryna Lagno. Koneru’s bold play, sacrificing material for a devastating attack, left Lagno’s king hopelessly exposed. The Indian legend sealed victory after just 33 moves in spectacular fashion.
Harika Dronavalli continued the onslaught on Board 5, overwhelming Sarasadat Khademalsharieh with dynamic play in a Dutch Defense. Despite being lower-rated, Harika’s energetic attacking chess proved too much to handle, and she converted her advantage efficiently after 43 moves to add another full point to the Masters’ tally.
The Final Blow
Board 6 completed the rout as Bardiya Daneshvar produced the day’s biggest upset, defeating higher-rated Daniel Dardha. In a wild Italian Game battle, Daneshvar showcased fearless play, navigating complications with precision. His 46-move victory capped off a perfect day for the lower boards.
Match Takeaway
This wasn’t just a victory—it was a statement. The UpGrad Mumba Masters demonstrated the power of collective strength, winning decisively on four boards while holding firm on the remaining two. Their 4-1-1 scoreline translated into an overwhelming 18-2 margin in the league’s innovative scoring system.
For the PBG Alaskan Knights, this humbling defeat raises serious questions. With only Gukesh’s draw preventing a complete whitewash, the team must regroup quickly. In the Global Chess League, where every board counts, such comprehensive losses can prove costly in the race for playoff positions.
The Mumba Masters, meanwhile, have sent a clear message to their rivals: they’re not just participants—they’re serious title contenders.
