Kerala GM S L Narayanan held Chinese Super GM Yu Yangyi to a thrilling draw in their first game of Round 3 in the FIDE Chess World Cup in Goa on Friday.

Thiruvananthapuram native Narayanan had white against the former World No. 10 and played an exhaustive 117-move game, which ended in a theoretical draw. 

The two will play their second classical game of the match-up, with the winner advancing to Round 4. Naryanan defeated GM Nikita Vitiugov in Round 2 tie-breakers to set up the clash with Yangyi.

World Champion D Gukesh was held to a draw by German GM Frederik Svane and R Praggnanandhaa also had to split a point with Armenian Robert Hovhannisyan in their respective opening games in Round 3.

ADVERTISEMENT

Meanwhile, India No. 1 Arjun Erigaisi defeated Uzbek GM Shamsiddin Vokhidov and can advance with a draw in the second game on Saturday.

The Chess World Cup is an eight-round knockout tournament. World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen is not participating in the event.

ADVERTISEMENT
Disclaimer: Comments posted here are the sole responsibility of the user and do not reflect the views of Onmanorama. Obscene or offensive remarks against any person, religion, community or nation are punishable under IT rules and may invite legal action.