Global Chess League 2024: Mumba Masters bounce back as Ganges Grandmasters stumble to a 2nd defeat

The second season of Global Chess League hit new gear on day two, delivering intense drama on the boards. After a thrilling opening day, the second round offered the perfect stage for redemption for the losers of day one and the Mumba Masters seized their moment, leaving Vishy Anand’s Ganges Grandmasters reeling with their second defeat.

Both teams came into this match seeking their first win, having lost their opening games by identical scores of 6:11.

The headline icon matchup on board one pitted the former world champion Vishy Anand against the former World Blitz Champion Maxime Vachier-Lagrave. Despite holding a better position, Anand blundered a tactical sacrifice, allowing Vachier-Lagrave to turn the tables. Although struggling on the clock, the French star, showing his blitz champion instincts, tightened his grip on the game, ultimately securing a crucial win.

Mumba Masters, who played the match as Black - took control from there, with a win on the youngsters’ board and a draw on the second women’s board, pushing them into the lead. Ganges Grandmasters couldn’t catch a break, and despite world number three Arjun Erigaisi’s best efforts, he could only manage a draw against Vidit Gujrathi, despite being ahead on the clock.

The situation worsened when Koneru Humpy overcame Vaishali R, clinching the match for the Mumba Masters. While Parham Maghsoodloo secured a hard-fought victory against Peter Svidler to salvage some pride for the Ganges, it wasn’t enough to save them from a 14-5 defeat.

With the Mumba Masters claiming their first points, Ganges Grandmasters face an uphill battle after back-to-back losses. The situation is even worse because this is their second defeat with white pieces. They’ll need to regroup quickly if they hope to stay in contention for the top places.

Both teams will be in action again later tonight. The match between American Gambits and Triveni Continental Kings is underway. Mumba Masters will play Alpine SG Pipers in the third match, while Ganges Grandmasters will be up against Triveni Continental Kings in the last match of the day.