Chennai Grand Masters 2023 R5: Gukesh subdues Sanan, emerges sole leader
19/12/2023 - D Gukesh scored his second win in-a-row against Sanan Sjugirov (HUN) in the fifth round of Chennai Grand Masters 2023. Gukesh seized his advantage and synthesized an attack on the kingside. Sanan had no proper answer to it and succumbed. The Arjun Erigaisi-Levon Aronian saga continues. Arjun had a great opportunity to beat Aronian for the first time in a rated game in over two years. Unfortunately, he pushed a pawn incorrectly in the rook endgame and eventually lost his advantage. The two-time World Cup winner managed to salvage a draw. Pavel Eljanov (UKR) handed Alexandr Predke (SRB) his third consecutive loss. Gukesh is in the sole lead 3.5/5, followed by Pentala Harikrishna and Eljanov at 3/5 each. Arjun is at 2.5/5 along with Aronian and Parham. Penultimate Round 6 starts tomorrow at 3 p.m. IST. Photos: Shahid Ahmed