Grandmaster M Karthikeyan carved out a hard-fought victory over compatriot Vidit Gujrathi in the seventh round of the Chennai Grand Masters on Wednesday, keeping his strong finish hopes alive while German GM Vincent Keymer tightened his grip on the title race.

Playing with the black pieces, Karthikeyan overcame Gujrathi in a gritty, tactical battle that saw both players navigate complex middlegame positions before the Indian secured the full point. Keymer, meanwhile, produced a clinical performance against American GM Awonder Liang, converting his advantage with precision to extend his lead at the top to 1.5 points.

Keymer’s closest challenger, Arjun Erigaisi, was held to a draw by Dutch GM Anish Giri. The result dented Erigaisi’s hopes of catching the leader, with only two rounds remaining. Elsewhere in the Masters section, GM Nihal Sarin defeated GM Ray Robson after creating sustained pressure, while GM Jorden van Foreest and GM V Pranav battled to a balanced draw.

With the tournament entering its final stages, Erigaisi now faces a must-win clash against Gujrathi in the penultimate round and will also need favourable results from other boards to remain in contention. Liang, in a similar position, will meet Giri next. Keymer could clinch his first Chennai Grand Masters crown on Day 8 if he beats Van Foreest with the white pieces.

CHALLENGERS SECTION REMAINS TIGHT

In the Challengers section, GM Leon Luke Mendonca stayed in joint lead after defeating GM Diptayan Ghosh in a tense encounter. Matching him at the top was M Pranesh, who overcame GM R Vaishali in a sharp tactical battle. GM Abhimanyu Puranik, meanwhile, was held to a draw by GM Aryan Chopra, leaving him half a point behind the co-leaders.

Other notable results included IM Harshavardhan GB’s win over GM Harika Dronavalli, while GM Pa Iniyan split the point with GM Adhiban Baskaran in an evenly fought game.

With just two rounds left, the title races in both sections remain intense — but in the Masters, Keymer’s commanding lead makes him the clear favourite to lift the trophy.

Masters Standings after Round 7

1. Vincent Keymer – 4.5 points
2. Arjun Erigaisi – 4 points
3. Kartikeyan Murali – 4 points
4. Anish Giri – 3.5 points
5. Liang Awonder – 3.5 points
6. Jorden van Foreest – 3.5 points
7. Vidit Gujrathi – 3 points
8. Nihal Sarin – 3 points
9. Pranav V – 2.5 points
10. Ray Robson – 2.5 points

Challengers Standings after Round 7

1. Pranesh M – 5.5 points
2. Leon Mendonca – 5.5 points
3. Abhimanyu Puranik – 5 points
4. Adhiban Baskaran – 4 points
5. Paneerselvam Iniyan – 4 points
6. Diptayan Ghosh – 3.5 points
7. Harshavardhan GB – 3 points
8. Aryan Chopra – 2 points
9. Harika Dronavalli – 1.5 points
10. Vaishali R – 1 point

– Ends