Round 5 features Anish Giri against Murali Karthikeyan in a clash of contrasting Round 4 stories.
Giri held leader Vincent Keymer to a solid draw, halting the German’s winning streak and proving tough to break. Karthikeyan, meanwhile, is fresh off a confident win over Jorden van Foreest in a Berlin endgame, showcasing precise endgame play and sharp calculation.
With Giri’s consistency against Karthikeyan’s rising momentum, this matchup could bring a tense, strategic fight where small chances might decide the day!
Anish chooses the classical Italian Game, aiming for a harmonious buildup and rich middlegame possibilities.
Pranav advances his pawn, contesting central control and opening lines for his pieces.
Giri showcases new opening preparation, playing with confidence!
Following deep calculation, Karthikeyan pushes his flank pawn, looking to gain space and create new opportunities.
Giri remains deep in his preparation, playing quickly and confidently while keeping his time intact.
Karthikeyan lines up on the d-file, targeting Giri’s pawn.
Giri offers a pawn to open lines for his pieces, specially unleashing the potential of his bishop.
Karthikeyan refuses the pawn offer and instead sets his sights on hunting down Giri’s a-pawn.
Though a pawn down temporarily, Giri remains confident he’ll reclaim it soon, as the extra pawn is weak and hard to hold!
With the major pieces off the board, the endgame becomes even more simplified.
Giri carefully moves his king, avoiding a potential knight fork.
This game is extremely balanced and poised to head towards a likely draw!
Round 5 of the Quantbox Chennai Grandmasters 2025 saw Anish Giri and Murali Karthikeyan locked in a marathon 73-move battle.
The game, starting with the Italian Opening, remained perfectly balanced throughout, with the evaluation bar barely budging.
Both players fought hard, navigating complexities without giving an inch. In an entertaining finish, the game ended in a stalemate!