The battle of momentum is set for Round 8 as Karthikeyan Murali takes on Nihal Sarin.
Karthikeyan is fresh off a statement win over Vidit Gujrathi, a result that has propelled him up the standings and boosted his confidence.
Nihal, on the other hand, broke through with a victory against Ray Robson in Round 7.
Both players will be hungry to build on their recent success and with just two rounds to go, every point matters. Will Karthikeyan keep climbing, or will Nihal halt his charge?
Nihal opts for the provocative Alekhine Defense, inviting his opponent to grab space early while plotting counterplay.
Karthikeyan castles kingside, securing his king.
Nihal places his dark-squared bishop in a fianchetto, controlling the long diagonal and reinforcing his kingside.
Nihal develops his knight, directly contesting Karthikeyan’s central knight.
Karthikeyan builds up the attack on Nihal’s e-pawn.
Nihal pulls back his queen, clearing the d-file to activate his rook and increase its influence.
Nihal introduces tension into the game with a discovered attack, forcing his opponent to navigate a more complex position.
Karthikeyan plays a precise and necessary
After the tactical fireworks, the game simplifies and transitions into a balanced yet dynamic endgame.
A misstep by Karthikeyan gives Nihal the chance to bring his king into play, increasing his endgame prospects.
A mistake by Nihal allows Karthikeyan to seize the opportunity and bring the endgame back to equality.
Both players remain alert and continue to search for resources and opportunities!
The final game of Round 8 ended in an exciting draw between Karthikeyan Murali and Nihal Sarin!
The encounter opened with the Alekhine Defense, with Nihal once again showcasing his creative preparation that has been a hallmark of his tournament so far.
Both players displayed fighting spirit throughout the game, with multiple moments where either side could have pushed for an advantage.
As the game transitioned into a rook endgame, precise play from both sides ensured that neither could claim more than equality. After 61 moves, the game was agreed drawn, bringing the tournament to a thrilling conclusion on this board.