In a dramatic conclusion to the league stage, SG Pipers have secured their berth in the championship match of the Global Chess League (GCL). They will face the defending champions and table-toppers, Continental Kings, in the final showdown.
A Tense Finale Decides the Finalist
The final day of league matches on Monday delivered high drama. Despite losing their last match 6-11 to a determined Alaskan Knights side, the SG Pipers managed to qualify for the final. Their ticket was punched based on a superior game-point tally compared to their rivals, Ganges Grandmasters. Both teams finished with 15 match points, but the Pipers narrowly advanced with 84 game points against the Grandmasters' 83.
The equation was clear for the Pipers heading into their final clash: they needed either a victory or at least six game points to stay ahead in the standings. The Alaskan Knights, fighting for a spot in the third-place playoff, played spoiler with a strong performance.
Key Battles That Shaped the Outcome
For the Knights, world champion D Gukesh capitalized on an error by Fabiano Caruana, while Arjun Erigaisi scored an impressive win with black pieces against Anish Giri. These results earned the Knights eight crucial points and piled pressure on the Pipers.
Once again, Hou Yifan emerged as a hero for SG Pipers. The three-time women’s world champion secured her third consecutive victory, defeating Kateryna Lagno in a swift 20 moves. However, draws by R Praggnanandhaa and Nino Batsiashvili meant the match hung in the balance until the very end.
All eyes turned to the prodigy board, where Leon Luke Mendonca faced Daniel Darda. Mendonca held his nerve in a tense encounter, securing a vital draw after 42 moves. This single point proved decisive in pushing the Pipers into the final.
Grandmasters' Effort Falls Just Short
Earlier in the day, the Ganges Grandmasters had kept their hopes alive with a commanding 12-3 win over the American Gambits. The team saw important wins from Vincent Keymer, Raunak Sadhwani, and Stavroula Tsolakidou, while legend Viswanathan Anand drew his game with Hikaru Nakamura.
Despite this dominant performance, their total game points fell just one short of the Pipers' tally. Consequently, the Ganges Grandmasters will now compete for third place against the Alaskan Knights.
Continental Kings March On
In the other league match, the Continental Kings solidified their top position with a narrow 10-9 victory over Mumba Masters. Despite wins from Mumba's Shakhriyar Mamedyarov and Bardiya Daneshvar, losses on the top boards cost them the match, setting the stage for the Kings to defend their title in the final.
The stage is now set for a thrilling climax to the Global Chess League, with SG Pipers aiming to dethrone the formidable Continental Kings.
