Chennai/Delhi, August 8(HS): Germany’s GM Vincent Keymer seized the sole lead in the Masters section of the Quantbox Chennai Grand Masters 2025 with a perfect 2/2 score, defeating India’s GM Pranav Venkatesh in a complex and chaotic Round 2 clash. Keymer’s victory with Black featured precise play under severe time pressure, ultimately converting the strength of connected passed pawns to secure the point.
In other Masters action, GM Ray Robson overcame GM Vidit Gujrathi in a wild tactical battle that saw a queen sacrifice and dramatic time scramble. Robson now shares second place with GM Arjun Erigaisi, who drew a tense game against GM Jorden van Foreest. GM Nihal Sarin came close to victory over GM Anish Giri before time trouble led to a draw.
In the Challengers section, top seed GM Abhimanyu Puranik joined a four-way tie for first place after beating GM Leon Luke Mendonca, while GM Iniyan P handed GM Harika Dronavalli her second consecutive loss.
Round 3 will be played on August 9, with Keymer facing GM Karthikeyan Murali as he looks to extend his perfect start. The event runs from August 7-15, featuring two 10-player round robins and a total prize fund of ₹25 lakh (approx. $30,000).
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
