| Triveni Continental Kings | 10-9 | UpGrad Mumba Masters |
|---|---|---|
| GM Firouzja, Alireza | 3-0 | GM Vachier-Lagrave, Maxime |
| GM Wei, Yi | 3-0 | GM So, Wesley |
| GM Vidit, Santosh Gujrathi | 0-4 | GM Mamedyarov, Shakhriyar |
| GM Zhu, Jiner | 3-0 | GM Koneru, Humpy |
| GM Kosteniuk, Alexandra | 1-1 | GM Dronavalli, Harika |
| GM Maurizzi, Marc’Andria | 0-4 | GM Daneshvar, Bardiya |
The Triveni Continental Kings escaped with a narrow 10-9 victory over the UpGrad Mumba Masters in Match 29 at the Royal Opera House. In a thriller that lived up to its billing, three decisive wins for each side and a single draw made every moment count.
Firouzja Fires First
Alireza Firouzja set the tone on the icon board with a commanding performance against Maxime Vachier-Lagrave. After building pressure steadily through the middle game, Firouzja launched a devastating attack that left his opponent scrambling. The Persian prodigy’s pieces coordinated beautifully, and when MVL’s defenses finally cracked, White’s advancing pawns sealed the deal. The resignation on move 59 gave the Kings crucial early momentum.
Wei Yi Delivers Knockout Blow
Board two witnessed Wei Yi at his brutal best, demolishing Wesley So in spectacular fashion. After sacrificing a piece for a ferocious attack on Black’s exposed king, Wei’s tactics proved unstoppable. So fought valiantly but couldn’t contain the onslaught. The resignation on move 33 doubled the Kings’ advantage and put them firmly in control.
Mamedyarov Strikes Back
Shakhriyar Mamedyarov kept the Masters alive with a brilliant counterattack on board three. Against Vidit Santosh Gujrathi, the Azerbaijani star demonstrated exceptional technique, patiently building his position before striking decisively. As White’s position collapsed under relentless pressure, Mamedyarov’s pawns marched forward unstoppably. The resignation on move 62 brought the Masters back into contention with a crucial 4-point haul.
Zhu Seals Victory
Zhu Jiner provided the Kings’ winning margin on the women’s board. Against former World Champion Humpy Koneru, the rising star played with confidence and precision. After gaining a decisive advantage in the middle game, Zhu never looked back. Her clinical technique left Koneru no chances, and the resignation on move 31 essentially secured the match for the Kings.
Draw Keeps It Close
Board five saw Alexandra Kosteniuk and Harika Dronavalli battle to a hard-fought draw. After 31 moves of complex maneuvering with neither side able to break through, the players agreed to split the point—keeping both teams’ hopes alive until the final board.
Daneshvar’s Heroics Fall Short
The prodigy board delivered high drama as Bardiya Daneshvar staged a magnificent comeback attempt. Against Marc’Andria Maurizzi, Daneshvar displayed remarkable maturity, grinding down his opponent in a marathon 63-move battle. His patient technique and relentless pressure eventually overwhelmed White’s position, earning a crucial 4-point victory that cut the Kings’ lead to a single point—but it wasn’t quite enough.
Narrowest of Margins
The final 10-9 scoreline perfectly captures this nail-biter. With both teams landing three decisive blows and one draw, the match hung in the balance until the very end. The Kings’ victories on boards one, two, and four proved just enough to withstand the Masters’ fightback.
For the Triveni Continental Kings, this escape demonstrates championship mettle—holding on despite fierce resistance. For the UpGrad Mumba Masters, this narrow defeat will sting. Mamedyarov and Daneshvar’s heroics deserved more, but in team chess, every board matters equally.
