An incredible victory over Nizat Abbasov of Azerbaijan by Indian Grandmaster D. Gukesh at the Candidates Chess Tournament let him recover the top rank. Gukesh's victory places him at the top with 7.5 points, along with American Hikaru Nakamura and Russian Ian Nepomniachtchi. With seven points, American Fabiano Caruana is not far behind. Both R Praggnananda and Vidit Gujarathi are having difficulty; Praggnananda is in sixth place with six points, while Gujarathi is in fifth place with five. His prospects of making the podium in the final two rounds are dwindling. With 4.5 and 3 points, respectively, lower on the list are Alireza and Abbasov.
It is notable that the world chess organization, FIDE, is sponsoring this competition. Against Abbasov, Gukesh—the second-youngest player to compete in a Candidates Tournament—employed a Nimjo-Indian defense tactic. proved his mettle and prevailed. Nepomniachtchi, who drew with Praggnananda, played a cautious and low-risk game the entire tournament.
