D Gukesh staged a remarkable comeback, orchestrating a masterful performance to outmaneuver fellow Indian Vidit Gujrathi and reclaim a shared lead with Russia's Ian Nepomniachtchi in the eighth round of the Candidates chess tournament. Meanwhile, R Praggnanandhaa settled for a draw against Firouza Alireza of France, while Hikaru Nakamura asserted his dominance in the all-American clash with Fabiano Caruana, thrusting himself back into contention for top honors.
Overnight frontrunner Nepomniachtchi stumbled early on, allowing tail-ender Nijat Abasov to escape with a swift draw in their encounter. With six rounds remaining, both Gukesh and Nepomniachtchi boast five points each, closely trailed by Nakamura and Pragnanandhaa with 4.5 points apiece.
