Sinquefield Cup: Gukesh held by Sevian, Praggnanandhaa attracts with Abdusattorov

World champion D Gukesh was held to a draw by the lone wild card Samuel Sevian of United States, whereas fellow Indian R Praggnanandhaa additionally break up the purpose with Nodirbek Abdusattorov of Uzbekistan within the third spherical of the Sinquefield Cup right here.

With his second attract as many days, Praggnanadhaa remained within the main group of three gamers that now embody Fabiano Caruana of United States in addition to the in a single day co-leader Armenian-turned-American Levon Aronian.

Caruana handed Alireza Firouzja of France his first loss within the match within the lone decisive sport of the day. Aronian was held to a draw by Maxime Vachier-Lagrave of France, whereas one other American Wesley So break up the purpose with Duda Jan-Kryzsztof of Poland.

With six rounds nonetheless to come back within the $3,75,000 prize cash match, Praggnanadhaa, Aronian and Caruana share the lead on two factors every and they’re now adopted by Wesley, Firouzja, Vachier-Lagrave, Sevian and Gukesh — who all stand a half level behind.

Duda is subsequent in line on one level, whereas Abdusattorov opened his account to be on a half level from his first three outings right here.

For Gukesh, first draw within the match was slightly straightforward with black items. Samuel Sevian tried his arms on the Rosslimo variation towards the Sicilian protection however Gukesh was at all times in management. The center sport arrived and handed easily as each gamers exchanged items at common intervals resulting in a drawn endgame.

Praggnanandhaa performed his first black after two white video games and selected the Nimzo-Indian defence whereby Abdusattorov, struggling to search out his kind, couldn’t get a lot. The gamers reached an reverse colored Bishops endgame the place the draw was a simply outcome.

It may have been an uneventful day however for Caruana who performed a wonderful positional sport to outwit Firouzja. The Fianchetto variation towards the Nimzo gave Caruana a spatial benefit as his items stood higher within the center sport and after a wonderful grind the American pushed his central handed pawn to the seventh rank for the specified impact.

With the highest 4 locations within the Grand chess tour at stake for the grand finale later this yr, Caruana appeared happy along with his victory. The American noticed that Vachier-Lagrave has virtually certified and the remainder of the bunch is preventing for the final spots.

Results spherical 3: Nodirbek Abdusattorov (Uzb, 0.5) drew with R Praggnanandhaa (Ind, 2) Fabiano Caruana (Usa, 2) beat Alireza Firouzja (Fra, 1.5); Duda Jan Kryzstof (Pol, 1) drew with Wesley So (Usa, 1.5); Maxime Vachier-Lagrave (Fra, 1.5) drew with Levon Aronian (Usa, 1.5) Samuel Sevian (Usa, 1.5) drew with D Gukesh (Ind, 1.5).