Gukesh's Second Triumph at Tata Steel: Defeating Team Mate Harikrishna

Gukesh Dommaraju, the youngest World Chess Champion in history, has been making significant strides at the Tata Steel Chess Tournament 2025 in Wijk aan Zee. In a remarkable turn of events, Gukesh defeated his compatriot and former World Championship second, Pentala Harikrishna, in the seventh round, propelling him into a joint lead with fellow Indian Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu and Uzbek rival Nodirbek Abdusattorov.

The match was intensely gripping, with Gukesh opting for the French Opening against Harikrishna's French Defense. Despite Harikrishna's strong start, Gukesh capitalized on a critical error by his opponent on move 12, gaining a substantial advantage. The game reached a crucial juncture on move 20 when Gukesh's b4 posed a serious threat, which Harikrishna could not effectively counter. The endgame witnessed Gukesh tying down Harikrishna's pieces and marching forward for a famous victory.

This victory marks Gukesh's third win in the tournament, positioning him on track for his first title at the Tata Steel Chess Tournament. He now shares the lead with Praggnanandhaa and Abdusattorov, both of whom have five points each after seven games. With six more rounds to go, Gukesh is set to face Praggnanandhaa in the eighth round, a highly anticipated clash between the two young Indian talents.

Gukesh's ascent to the top has been nothing short of extraordinary. He gained international acclaim last November when he defeated Ding Liren in Singapore, becoming the youngest World Chess Champion ever. His collaboration with Harikrishna, who served as his second during the World Championship match, has played a crucial role in his success. The duo also contributed to the Indian team's gold medal triumph at the Chess Olympiad in Budapest last year.

The Tata Steel Chess Tournament, often regarded as the "Wimbledon of Chess" due to its prestigious status and high level of competition, has showcased Gukesh's skill, resilience, and strategic prowess. His ability to navigate complex positions and capitalize on his opponents' mistakes has been instrumental in his success.

As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Gukesh and his fellow competitors as they compete for the top spot. The competition remains fierce, with top players like Fabiano Caruana, Anish Giri, and Magnus Carlsen also vying for the title. Each round presents new challenges and opportunities, and Gukesh will need to maintain his focus and composure to secure the championship.

In addition to his individual success, Gukesh's performance has been a source of pride for India, highlighting the country's growing prominence in the world of chess. His achievements have inspired a new generation of young chess players, emphasizing the importance of dedication, hard work, and strategic thinking.

As the Tata Steel Chess Tournament 2025 continues, excitement and anticipation continue to build. With Gukesh leading the pack, the tournament promises to be a thrilling and memorable event, full of intense battles and brilliant displays of chess mastery. Whether he ultimately wins the title or not, Gukesh's performance in this tournament will be remembered as a significant milestone in his career and a testament to his exceptional talent.