D. Gukesh produced a clinical finish to tame World championship finalist and top Russian Ian Nepomniachtchi in the fifth round of the Tata Steel Masters at Wijk aan Zee, near Amsterdam, on Thursday.
Bouncing back from two successive defeats, Gukesh (2.5 points) was determined after a day of rest, spotted a blunder from his famed rival on the 34th move and proceeded to win in style in 49 moves for his second victory in the premier competition.
R. Praggnanandhaa (3) drew with leader Anish Giri (4) while Vidit Gujrathi (2.5) split the point with local Max Warmerdam (2.5) on a day when women’s World champion Ju Wenjun stunned Alireza Firouzja.
