Gukesh bounces back with tense win at Sinquefield Cup after Praggnanandhaa setback: 'I'd prefer a loss and a win'

Chess world champion D Gukesh shrugged off a rare defeat against compatriot Praggnanandhaa with a comeback win over Uzbek prodigy Nodirbek Abdusattorov in a tense match at Sinquefield Cup 2025 on Tuesday, while Praggnanandhaa held Fabiano Caruana to a draw to remain world No.3 in the live ratings.

After playing one of his poorest games in the first round, leading to his first Classical loss to Praggnanandhaa in three years, the 19-year-old Gukesh needed to regroup and launch a stronger comeback. The Chennai Grandmaster managed to do that against rival Nodirbek in 50 moves while playing with the White pieces.

Gukesh beats Nodirbek in chaotic match

In a Ruy López Opening, Gukesh stunned his opponent with a rare 11.Bc2 move as we witnessed opposite-sides castling. Gukesh created a massive advantage for himself with opening moves and could have stretched his dominance by taking out the Bishop on e6, but played Ndf3 on the 21st move, which was a mistake.

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This allowed Nodirbek to create an equal game, but a blunder with 37...h4 under time pressure when he should have played Qe5 gave Gukesh a decisive advantage. When he finally played Qe5 on the 42nd move, it was too late and a mistake, as g5 was a better move. Eventually, Nodirbek was forced to resign after 50 moves with nowhere to go.

How Gukesh defeated Nodirbek:

Reflecting on his victory, Gukesh said he's happy to win a match and get to 1 point after two rounds rather than making two draws.

"Especially after yesterday, probably one of the worst games that I'd played, it was nice to bounce back like this," Gukesh told the broadcasters after his comeback win. "If I would prefer to make two draws or a loss and a win, I'd prefer a loss and a win."

Praggnanandhaa stays in joint-lead at Sinquefield Cup 2025

Meanwhile, Praggnanandhaa failed to force his White pieces' advantage as he settled for a 36-move draw against Caruana. Praggnanandhaa, however, continues to be in joint-lead with Levon Aronian and Alireza Firouzja, with all three players on 1.5 points. Gukesh is joint-second with 1 point.

In the second round, Aronian was held to a draw by American compatriot Sam Sevian and Firouzja defeated Jan-Krzysztof Duda.

Gukesh faces Sevian in the next round, while Praggnanandhaa will be up against Nodirbek.