Super Classic Chess: Praggnanandhaa held by Foreest; Keymer surges ahead

Praggnanandhaa (Pic: Lennart Ootes)

Indian Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa and Dutchman Jorden Van Foreest drew as Germany's Vincent Keymer took the lead after winning the Super Chess Classic's fourth round with ease.

With a sole win over Alireza Firouzja of France and three draws, Praggnanandhaa inched to 2.5 points out of a possible four, while Vincent moved to the sole lead on three points after beating French Maxime Vachier-Lagrave of France.

On a day when Anish Giri also got an easy draw against World Championships challenger Javokhir Sindarov of Uzbekistan, Wesley So was also held to a draw by Deac Bogdan-Daniel of Romania.

Firouzja abstained from playing the fourth round, citing health issues.

Praggnanandhaa faced an irregular opening as black and did not have any trouble equalising.

Van Foreest, who is already in the top 20 world rankings and is gradually gaining ground, used more effort to win the match. As it happened, the players chose to repeat, and in just 35 moves, the truce was declared. Keymer was a class act as Vachier-Lagrave was outdone in the middle game.

Given that the Frenchman had obvious weaknesses on the king's side, Keymer's central attack was successful after an English attack against the Najdorf Sicilian.

Shortly after, Vachier-Lagrave made a crucial mistake that cost him further material, and Keymer seized an opening that handed him a rook for a bishop. In just 38 moves, it was all over.

Keymer's outstanding, aggressive performance is setting a high standard for the rest of the field as the thrilling competition heats up. Praggnanandhaa, meanwhile, maintains a strong position and stays well within striking distance of the top spot. The title race is still up for grabs, with five fierce rounds remaining. Praggnanandhaa hopes to repeat his previous performances and find his rhythm back.

Round 4 results:

Jorden Van Foreest (Ned, 2.5) drew with R Praggnanandhaa (Ind, 2.5); Fabiano Caruana (Usa, 1.5) vs Alireza Firouzja (Fra, 0.5) game postponed; Wesley So (Usa, 2) drew with Deac Bogdan Daniel (Rou, 1); Javokhir Sindarov (Uzb, 1.5) drew with Anish Giri (Ned, 2.5); Vincent Keymer (Ger, 3) beat Maxime Vachier-Lagrave (Fra, 2)

(With PTI Input)