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2nd UzChess Cup Round 8: Can Praggnanandhaa Stop Abdusattorov?
Round 8 of the 2nd UzChess Cup Masters saw Nodirbek Abdusattorov maintain his sole lead by drawing against Ian Nepomniachtchi. The focus now shifts to his crucial final-round clash against R Praggnanandhaa.
Praggnanandhaa defeated Arjun Erigaisi in a smooth game, moving to 4.5/8. A win against Abdusattorov in the final round could lead to a playoff, depending on Sindarov’s result.
Aravindh vs Rapport: First Classical Meeting
This was the first time Aravindh Chithambaram faced Richard Rapport in classical time control. Rapport played creatively and outmaneuvered Aravindh, who now has four losses in the tournament.
Key Game: Praggnanandhaa Beats Arjun Again
Praggnanandhaa and Arjun have faced each other six times in classical chess. With this win, the score is now even at 3-3. Arjun made a mistake with 13…d5,
which quickly gave Praggnanandhaa a winning position. The Indian prodigy didn’t let go and secured victory in style.
Sindarov Stays in the Hunt
Sindarov and Yakubboev’s 13th classical encounter ended in a draw, keeping Sindarov half a point behind the leader. The game featured wild complications, especially after 27…0-0-0,
which the computer evaluated as equal—something humans would disagree with!
Vokhidov Punishes Parham’s Mistakes
Parham blundered in a sharp middle game. Vokhidov capitalized and finished the game cleanly. It was Parham’s second loss in a row.
Nepomniachtchi vs Abdusattorov: All Square
In a tightly contested classical game, Ian Nepomniachtchi and Abdusattorov agreed to a draw. Their classical head-to-head now stands at 1-1 with two draws.
Other Events:
Challengers:
The legendary Vasyl Ivanchuk defeated Nikolas Theodorou, handing the Greek player his first loss. Despite the defeat, Theodorou remains in the lead. Mukhiddin Madaminov drew with Gulrukhbegim Tokhirjonova to stay half a point behind.
Futures:
Evgeny Alekseev and Saparmyrat Atabayev both won their games and now co-lead the Futures section. Saidakbar Saydaliev beat Ortik Nigmatov in a major upset.
Round 8 Standings (Masters):
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Abdusattorov – 5.5/8
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Sindarov – 5/8
3-4. Praggnanandhaa & Arjun – 4.5/8
5-7. Parham, Yakubboev, Rapport – 4/8
Replay Live stream of UzChess Cup Round 8
Round 9 (Final) Highlights:
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Abdusattorov vs Praggnanandhaa – A potential title-decider
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Sindarov vs Parham – Critical for playoff chances
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Vokhidov vs Nepomniachtchi – Nepo needs a win to finish strong
Time Control:
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Masters: 90 mins for 40 moves + 30 mins for rest of the game, with 30 sec increment from move 1
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Challengers, Futures, and Open: 90 mins + 30 sec increment
Prize Fund:
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Total: $121,500
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Masters: $80,000 | Challengers: $25,000 | Futures: $11,500 | Open: $5,000
Photos: Shahid Ahmed, UzChess Cup
Source: CHESSBASE
