World Champion Gukesh suffers defeat, Pragg goes strong in Romania Classic event

World Champion D Gukesh suffered a fourth-round defeat to Maxime Vachier-Lagrave of France to remain winless in the Superbet Chess Classic Romania in Bucharest.

After Saturday's result, Gukesh was placed last in the 10-player field with 1.5 points. R Praggnanandhaa, the second Indian in the competition, shares the lead with Maxime-Lagrave and Fabiano Caruana on 2.5 points each.

Praggnanandhaa drew with local favourite Bogdan-Daniel Deac to make it three draws and a win from his first four.

Gukesh drew with Praggnanandhaa and Nodirbek Abdusattorov before escaping with a draw against Deac in his earlier rounds.

Against Vachier-Lagrave, Gukesh got himself into trouble from the opening. The Frenchman castled queenside and unleashed an attack on Gukesh’s castled Kingside. After a series of exchanges, Gukesh’s position worsened. He resigned after move 31, with the experienced opponent threatening to feast on the scattered pawns. 

Praggnanandhaa had limited opportunities against Deac, who appeared content with a draw as white. The pieces were exchanged at regular intervals. Praggnanandhaa settled for a draw after 35 moves.

Gukesh will play Jan-Krzysztof Duda and Praggnanandhaa faces Vachier-Lagrave in round five tonight.