The Ganges Grandmasters delivered a resounding 13-7 victory over Alpine SG Pipers in Round 2 at Mumbai’s Royal Opera House, shaking off their opening day disappointment with a commanding performance that featured four decisive results. The comprehensive win showcased the depth and fighting spirit that makes them genuine title contenders.
Caruana’s Statement Win
The icon board set the tone as Fabiano Caruana dismantled five-time World Champion Viswanathan Anand in clinical fashion. Playing the sharp Ruy Lopez, Caruana methodically built pressure before launching a devastating kingside attack. When Anand’s defenses crumbled, the American star delivered a knockout blow with powerful piece coordination, forcing resignation and handing the Grandmasters crucial early momentum. For Anand, this marked a challenging second consecutive loss, highlighting the relentless intensity of rapid team chess.
The Upset That Decided Everything
The match’s most dramatic moment came on the women’s board, where Polina Shuvalova stunned former Women’s World Champion Hou Yifan. Despite being the underrated player, Shuvalova played with remarkable confidence, gradually outmaneuvering her legendary opponent. As time pressure mounted, Hou’s position collapsed, and Shuvalova’s precise technique sealed an upset victory that proved decisive in the final scoreline. This win exemplified the fighting spirit that characterizes championship teams.
Sindarov Strikes on Board Three
Javokhir Sindarov added to the Grandmasters’ tally with an impressive victory over Praggnanandhaa R. In a complex middlegame, Sindarov created complications that his young opponent struggled to navigate. Trading pieces at the right moments, the Uzbek talent pushed dangerous passed pawns that proved unstoppable. His conversion demonstrated the tactical sharpness needed in rapid chess, extending the Grandmasters’ lead significantly.
Prodigy Board Success Continues
Raunak Sadhwani maintained his excellent form, defeating Leon Luke Mendonca for the second consecutive match. Building on his opening day success, Sadhwani played aggressively from the start, creating immediate problems for his opponent. When Mendonca’s attacking ambitions backfired, Sadhwani’s counterplay swept through White’s position with devastating effect. Two consecutive prodigy board victories underline the importance of this critical board.
Hard-Fought Draws
The remaining boards produced tense draws. Anish Giri and Vincent Keymer battled to a dramatic repetition on board two, with neither willing to risk their team’s position in the sharp complications. Nino Batsiashvili again demonstrated her endgame expertise, grinding out a draw against Stavroula Tsolakidou after another marathon battle spanning 79 moves—matching her previous match’s stamina.
Championship Statement
For Ganges Grandmasters, this emphatic victory represents more than three match points—it’s a declaration that their opening day setback was merely a momentary stumble. With Caruana, Shuvalova, Sindarov, and Sadhwani all delivering decisive victories, the team showcased the balanced scoring that wins championships. The six-point margin reflects their superior preparation and execution across all boards, proving they have the depth to compete with anyone in this tournament.
