MAGHSOODLOO TAKES COMMANDING LEAD AS GUKESH SUFFERS SHOCK SECOND LOSS AT GRAND SWISS
Maghsoodloo Extends Lead With Confident Play
Iranian Grandmaster Parham Maghsoodloo has emerged as the clear frontrunner at the FIDE Grand Swiss 2025 in Samarkand, finishing Round 6 with a solid draw against India鈥檚 Arjun Erigaisi. The result keeps Maghsoodloo at the top of the standings with 5/6, half a point ahead of a strong chasing pack that includes Dutch star Anish Giri and India鈥檚 Nihal Sarin.
Maghsoodloo鈥檚 precise handling of a balanced position demonstrated his strategic discipline, ensuring he maintained his lead heading into the crucial second half of the event.
Gukesh鈥檚 Title Hopes Fade After Consecutive Defeats
In one of the day鈥檚 biggest upsets, reigning World Champion D. Gukesh Dommaraju suffered his second straight loss, this time against Greek Grandmaster Nikolas Theodorou.
Despite starting the rook endgame with an extra pawn, Gukesh鈥檚 decision-making faltered. He incorrectly claimed a draw, only to see Theodorou capitalize on the error and secure victory in 47 moves.
The shocking result drops Gukesh to a 50% score, all but ending his hopes of winning the Grand Swiss title or securing early qualification for the Candidates Tournament. A visibly frustrated Gukesh was filmed storming out of the playing hall moments after resigning, declining interviews and fan interactions.
Pursuers Close In On The Leader
With Gukesh鈥檚 slip, Anish Giri and Nihal Sarin stepped up to seize their opportunities, each notching wins to climb within striking distance of Maghsoodloo. Sarin鈥檚 sharp preparation and Giri鈥檚 clinical technique have made them key contenders to challenge for first place.
The momentum shift has electrified the competition, with several players now vying for a podium finish and coveted Candidates spots.
Vaishali And Lagno Take Charge In Women鈥檚 Section
In the Women鈥檚 Grand Swiss, India鈥檚 Vaishali Rameshbabu and Russia鈥檚 Kateryna Lagno both scored crucial victories to become co-leaders. Antoaneta Stefanova and Guo Qi remain close behind, ensuring a tense race for the top prize.
Looking Ahead
Round 7, scheduled for September 11, is expected to feature a high-stakes clash between Maghsoodloo and Sarin on the top board. With only five rounds left, every half-point will be critical in determining who emerges as the Grand聽Swiss聽champion.
