Alpine SG Pipers secured a spot in the Global Chess League final against Triveni Continental Kings despite a 6-11 loss to PBG Alaskan Knights. In a crucial league game, Pipers needed to win or score six game points to secure the second spot on the leaderboard. They finished with 84 game points, edging out Ganges Grandmasters with 83 points.
Meanwhile, Alaskan Knights secured a win to qualify for the third-place play-off. World champion Dommaraju Gukesh and Arjun Erigaisi led the charge with impressive performances. Despite a strong start by Pipers, Indian chess stars turned the tide, creating tense moments for the team.
The fate of Pipers rested on Leon Luke Mendonca’s ability to secure a draw against Daniel Darda on the prodigy board. Mendonca managed to hold on for a draw after 42 moves, ensuring Pipers’ advancement. The intense competition saw Ganges Grandmasters also fighting for a final spot.
In another match, Mumba Masters faced a tough challenge against table-toppers Triveni Continental Kings. Despite notable performances, including Shakhriyar Mamedyarov’s win, Mumba Masters fell short with a 10-9 loss. The competition remains fierce as teams battle for top positions in the league.
