2nd UzChess Cup Round 3: Abdusattorov Takes Lead After Outplaying Rapport

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Nodirbek Abdusattorov scored a brilliant win against Richard Rapport in Round 3 of the 2nd UzChess Cup Masters 2025. With this victory, he became the sole leader of the tournament with 2.5 points out of 3. Abdusattorov calmly navigated a tricky bishop vs knight endgame and capitalized on Rapport’s mistake to seal the full point.

Meanwhile, Indian stars R Praggnanandhaa, Arjun Erigaisi, and Aravindh Chithambaram drew their games against Yakubboev, Nepomniachtchi, and Maghsoodloo respectively. Sindarov also held Vokhidov to a draw after a tense queen trap situation forced a repetition.

How the Indians Fared

Yakubboev – Praggnanandhaa

Praggnanandhaa played a solid game with the black pieces against Nodirbek Yakubboev. A sharp moment came after 15.Nxc6! by White.

However, after queen trades and piece simplifications, the game naturally ended in a draw.

Parham – Aravindh

Aravindh had a slight advantage against Parham Maghsoodloo but missed a stronger continuation. After 27.Qa4?, he could have gained the edge with 28…Rxc6.

The game simplified and ended in a draw.

Nepomniachtchi – Arjun

Arjun Erigaisi drew his first-ever Classical game against Ian Nepomniachtchi. The opening followed a known line until Arjun introduced a novelty with 20…e4. The game remained balanced throughout.

Game of the Day: Abdusattorov vs Rapport

UzChess Cup Round 3

Abdusattorov was slightly surprised by Rapport’s choice of the Rauzer variation in the Sicilian. However, he was well-prepared and guided the game into a sharp middlegame.

UzChess Cup Round 3

Once queens were exchanged, he confidently handled the bishop vs knight endgame. Rapport’s critical error came with 38…a5??, allowing White to push forward and win the game with accurate play.

UzChess Cup Round 3

This win extended Abdusattorov’s unbeaten record against Rapport in Classical games to 3 wins and 2 draws.

Challengers Section

UzChess Cup Round 3

GM Ortik Nigmatov took the sole lead by beating the previous round’s leader GM Saparmyrat Atabayev. GM Theodorou, GM Madaminov, and GM Andrew Hong also registered wins to stay close at the top with 2.5 points each.

Futures Section

UzChess Cup Round 3

IM Khumoyun Begmuratov, GM Ortik Nigmatov, and GM Alan Pichot were the big winners of the round. GM Sychev and GM Alekseev drew their match, keeping the field competitive.

Masters Round 3 Highlights

  • Abdusattorov 1-0 Rapport

  • Yakubboev ½-½ Praggnanandhaa

  • Maghsoodloo ½-½ Aravindh

  • Nepomniachtchi ½-½ Arjun

  • Vokhidov ½-½ Sindarov

Standings after Round 3 (Masters)

  1. Abdusattorov – 2.5

  2. Arjun, Praggnanandhaa, Sindarov – 2.0

  3. Yakubboev, Maghsoodloo – 1.5

  4. Aravindh, Nepomniachtchi, Rapport – 1.0

  5. Vokhidov – 0.5

Replay Live stream of UzChess Cup Round 3

Event Info

  • Location: Uzbekistan

  • Time Control (Masters): 90 minutes for 40 moves + 30 minutes for the rest of the game; 30-second increment from move 1

  • Prize Fund: $121,500

    • Masters: $80,000

    • Challengers: $25,000

    • Futures: $11,500

    • Open: $5,000

Next round starts tomorrow at 3 p.m. local time (3:30 p.m. IST).

Photos: Shahid Ahmed, UzChess Cup
Source: CHESSBASE

 

Warrior Chess Academy


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