Epic 103-Move Draw: Gukesh vs Deshmukh in FIDE Grand Swiss

Picture this: A 2767-rated world champion pressing for hours against a 2478-rated defender in a grueling rook-and-knight versus rook endgame. That's exactly what unfolded between D Gukesh and Divya Deshmukh. The game lasted over six hours and stretched to an astonishing 103 moves, showcasing Deshmukh's ironclad defense and mental fortitude. Gukesh held a material edge but couldn't crack her precise play, eventually offering a draw—which she accepted.

This wasn't just any draw; it was a near-historic moment. Had Deshmukh pulled off the win, she'd have become the first woman to defeat a reigning world champion in classical chess. Instead, she leaped ahead of Gukesh in the standings, now on 4 points after eight rounds (half a point more than the champ). For Gukesh, it's another tough result in a tournament that's tested his mettle—prior losses to Abhimanyu Mishra, Ediz Gurel, and Nikolas Theodorou, plus draws against Arjun Erigaisi and 14-year-old prodigy Yagiz Kaan Erdogmus, have seen him drop out of the world top 10. Yet, in the spirit of gaming comebacks, Gukesh's persistence here hints at a potential turnaround.

This clash embodies chess's strategic depth, much like navigating complex levels in a real-time strategy game. Deshmukh's ability to hold under pressure? Pure pro-level poise.

Nihal Sarin Joins the Leaders: Steady Climb to the Top

While the Gukesh-Deshmukh thriller grabbed headlines, Nihal Sarin quietly solidified his status as an Indian powerhouse. In a crisp 21-move draw against co-leader Matthias Bluebaum (using the Queen's Gambit Accepted), Sarin maintained his perfect pace, tying for first in the Open section with 6 points. This positions him alongside Bluebaum, with a pack of chasers—including Vincent Keymer and Jorden van Foreest—lurking at 5.5 points.

Sarin's calm efficiency stands out in a field of upsets, like 14-year-old Yagiz Kaan Erdogmus toppling GM Levon Aronian. For Indian fans, it's a reminder of the depth in our chess scene—Sarin's lead keeps the Candidates dream alive, as the top two in Open and Women's sections earn spots for 2026.

Other Indian Highlights and Setbacks

Indian players showed mixed results but overall resilience:

• Vidit Gujrathi: A tough loss to Vincent Keymer dropped him to 5 points, but his earlier solidity keeps him in contention.
• R Vaishali (Women's Section): The Indian GM lost her lead to Bibisara Assaubayeva but stays competitive at 6 points, tied with Assaubayeva and Yuxin Song. Kateryna Lagno surged to sole lead with 6.5 after dismantling Mariya Muzychuk in the Game of the Day.
• Overall Indian Standings: Sarin leads with 6 points in Open, while Deshmukh's 4 points mark a breakout performance, especially in the Open section.