Nodirbek Abdusattorov holds firm as Chennai GM opens with draws

Nodirbek Abdusattorov stood his ground on the first day of the Chennai Grand Masters.

What happened in Chennai?

On 16 July 2026, the opening round of the Chennai Grand Masters at Hotel Westin Velachery produced just one full-point result. Alireza Firouzja crushed M. Pranesh in 79 moves, while the rest of the field settled for draws. Abdusattorov, seeded highest in the field at 23 years old, held Uzbekistan’s flag against USA’s Hans Moke Niemann after 79 grueling moves.

How did Abdusattorov escape Niemann’s pressure?

The Uzbek began with the black pieces and faced a Sicilian Defence. Niemann probed for weaknesses for much of the middlegame, but Abdusattorov’s precise calculation kept the balance. The American pushed hard in time trouble, yet Abdusattorov neutralized the threats and secured the draw on move 79. His rating as the top seed-2720 FIDE-gave him little room to wobble.

Who else shared the spoils?

World champion D. Gukesh was held by compatriot Nihal Sarin after 47 moves. Arjun Erigaisi split the point with Dmitry Andreikin in 42 moves after the Russian forced a series of queen checks around the exposed white king. Only Firouzja left with a full point, outlasting Pranesh after five hours at the board.

What’s next for Abdusattorov?

The tournament continues with a packed schedule. Abdusattorov, fresh off a strong showing in the Grand Chess Tour-Croatia leg, will eye the leaders’ board. With 13 rounds still to play, the Uzbek’s draw keeps him within striking distance of the early pace set by Firouzja.