The FYERS American Gambits edged past the Triveni Continental Kings 10-8 in a nail-biting Round 3 encounter at Mumbai’s Royal Opera House. In a match that featured dramatic swings and decisive moments on critical boards, the Gambits’ ability to deliver when it mattered most proved the difference in this closely contested battle.
Firouzja’s Icon Board Masterclass
The match’s defining moment came on the icon board, where Alireza Firouzja delivered a commanding performance against Hikaru Nakamura. The young French star created immediate complications, launching an aggressive pawn storm that left the American speedster searching for answers. As Nakamura’s position deteriorated under relentless pressure, time became his enemy. With his clock running dangerously low and his pieces poorly coordinated, Nakamura could only watch as Firouzja’s dangerous passed pawn marched unstoppably down the board. The clinical conversion handed the Continental Kings maximum game points from the most valuable board.
Rapport’s Stunning Comeback
Richard Rapport provided the Gambits’ crucial response on board three, orchestrating a brilliant tactical sequence against Vidit Santosh Gujrathi. After weathering early pressure, the Hungarian grandmaster seized his chance with devastating effect. Launching a fierce attack that overwhelmed White’s defenses, Rapport’s pieces coordinated beautifully to create unstoppable threats. When Vidit’s position collapsed, Rapport’s victory leveled the team score and shifted momentum decisively toward the Gambits.
The Prodigy Board Breakthrough
Volodar Murzin sealed the Gambits’ victory with an impressive performance on the prodigy board against Marc’Andria Maurizzi. The young Russian demonstrated patience and precision, gradually building advantages across the board. When Maurizzi’s defenses finally crumbled, Murzin converted smoothly, pushing a dangerous passed pawn that proved impossible to stop. This crucial win on the lowest-weighted board ultimately provided the margin of victory.
Kosteniuk Continues Her Dominance
Alexandra Kosteniuk added to the Continental Kings’ tally with another excellent display. The former Women’s World Champion showcased her endgame mastery against Teodora Injac, methodically converting a slight advantage into a winning position. Her clinical technique demonstrated why she remains one of the most dangerous players in women’s chess, though her victory couldn’t swing the final result in her team’s favor.
Critical Draws
Two boards ended in hard-fought draws that influenced the final margin. Wei Yi and Vladislav Artemiev battled to a tense stalemate on board two, with neither willing to risk complications in the sharp position. The women’s board saw Zhu Jiner hold firm against Bibisara Assaubayeva in a marathon 45-move technical battle where accurate defense prevailed.
The Narrow Margin
The two-point difference reflected how evenly matched these teams were. While Firouzja and Kosteniuk delivered decisive victories for the Continental Kings, the Gambits’ depth proved crucial—Rapport and Murzin’s wins on boards three and six provided just enough firepower to secure victory. In a format where every board matters, the Gambits demonstrated that balanced scoring across multiple boards can overcome individual brilliance. This narrow escape keeps their championship hopes alive as the tournament intensifies.
