Alireza Firouzja holds sole lead after draw in Chennai Grand Masters

Alireza Firouzja stays top after draw in Chennai

On 21 July 2026, France’s Alireza Firouzja held sole first place in the Chennai Grand Masters after a tense draw with Uzbekistan’s Nodirbek Abdusattorov.

The sixth-round clash at The Westin Chennai ended level after 39 moves, keeping Firouzja on 3.5/6. Overnight leader Arjun Erigaisi lost to Nihal Sarin, while rising Indian star M. Pranesh stunned reigning World champion D. Gukesh.

What happened in round six

Pranesh, 19, came back from a shaky start to beat Gukesh in 39 moves, lifting him to 3/6. The upset left Gukesh on 1.5/6 and saw his live rating drop to 2702.9.

Firouzja and Abdusattorov split the point in a balanced game that never tipped decisively. Niemann and Andreikin also drew, while Erigaisi fell to Sarin in 61 moves.

Why it matters for Alireza Firouzja

Firouzja’s draw keeps him half a point clear of the chasing pack. A clean result against a top seed preserves his momentum after a mixed start to the event.

Gukesh’s third loss of the tournament now threatens his 2700-club status ahead of a final-round tilt with Hans Niemann.

What comes next

The seventh and final round on 22 July 2026 will decide the podium. Firouzja needs only a draw to secure clear first if results go his way.

Gukesh must win to cling on to the elite 2700 rating band. Pranesh, meanwhile, has announced his breakthrough win over the World champion as the best of his career so far.