GCT Romania Classic 2025: Gukesh ekes out draw against Praggnanandhaa in opening round

Reigning world chess champion D Gukesh began his Grand Chess Tour Romania Classic campaign with a hard-fought draw against compatriot R Praggnanandhaa in Bucharest on Wednesday.

The all-Indian clash in the first round ended with shared points after Gukesh made his 35th move with the white.

Praggnanandhaa navigated a Queen’s Gambit opening pattern before gaining a piece advantage with some clever play. But, Gukesh managed to eke out a draw with a three-fold repetition.

In the other boards, Alireza Firouzja and Wesley So claimed wins against Maxime Vachier-Lagrave and Bogdan-Daniel Deac respectively.

In Round 2, Praggnanandhaa will be up against Fabiano Caruana, while Gukesh will take on Nodirbek Abdusattorov, with both Indian players set to wield black pieces.