Gukesh Leads Tata Steel Chess Masters After Round 7 Win

World champion Dommaraju Gukesh has surged into the joint lead at the Tata Steel Chess Masters in Wijk aan Zee, Netherlands. A victory in Round 7 against fellow Indian Grandmaster Pentala Harikrishna pushed Gukesh to five points, sharing the top spot with R Praggnanandhaa and Nodirbek Abdusattorov as the tournament enters its second half.

Gukesh’s win marked his second triumph against one of his seconds for the 2024 FIDE World Championship. Earlier in the tournament, he defeated Vincent Keymer, and now Harikrishna became his latest victim. Harikrishna played the French Defense, a staple opening of Ding Liren, but Gukesh seemed well-prepared. By move 15, Harikrishna made an inaccuracy, giving Gukesh a chance to take control.

Despite gaining the upper hand early, Gukesh’s path to victory remained complex. Harikrishna defended resiliently, forcing Gukesh to carefully improve his position over the next 30 moves. Gukesh’s persistence paid off, and he forced Harikrishna to resign on move 45. The victory demonstrated Gukesh’s ability to maintain pressure in challenging positions and convert advantages into full points.

Tough Outings for Other Indian Players

While Gukesh excelled, other Indian participants faced mixed fortunes. Arjun Erigaisi’s struggles continued as Max Warmerdam handed him a defeat in Round 7. This loss extended Arjun’s winless streak at the Tata Steel Masters to 20 games, stretching across the 2023 and 2025 editions. His poor form in this tournament, with only 1.5 points from 7 rounds, has cost him several rating points and his status as India’s top player in live rankings.

On the other hand, R Praggnanandhaa managed only a quick draw against Dutch Grandmaster Jordan van Foreest. Praggnanandhaa, now tied with Gukesh and Abdusattorov at the top of the standings, will face Gukesh in a highly anticipated clash in Round 8. This game could prove decisive in determining the winner of the 2025 Tata Steel Chess Masters title.

Leon Luke Mendonca also settled for a draw against Wei Yi of China. Both players fought for opportunities but decided to split the point after an evenly matched game.

Other Key Results in Round 7

Vladimir Fedoseev and Max Warmerdam delivered decisive victories in Round 7. Fedoseev defeated Vincent Keymer, further cementing his position just half a point behind the leaders with 4.5 points. Warmerdam capitalized on Arjun Erigaisi’s poor form to secure a win, boosting his tally to 3 points.

Anish Giri, playing on home soil, drew with Nodirbek Abdusattorov in a balanced game. Meanwhile, Fabiano Caruana and Alexey Sarana also shared the spoils in their encounter.

Standings After Round 7

The standings after seven rounds showcase a tightly contested leaderboard:

  1. Dommaraju Gukesh: 5 points
  2. R Praggnanandhaa: 5 points
  3. Nodirbek Abdusattorov: 5 points
  4. Vladimir Fedoseev: 4.5 points
  5. Alexey Sarana: 4 points
  6. Wei Yi: 3.5 points
  7. Pentala Harikrishna: 3.5 points
  8. Fabiano Caruana: 3.5 points
  9. Anish Giri: 3 points
  10. Max Warmerdam: 3 points
  11. Vincent Keymer: 3 points
  12. Jordan van Foreest: 2.5 points
  13. Leon Luke Mendonca: 2 points
  14. Arjun Erigaisi: 1.5 points

The Upcoming Showdown

The Round 8 pairing between Gukesh and Praggnanandhaa has garnered significant attention. Both players remain in excellent form, and a victory for either could create a clear frontrunner in the race for the title. Gukesh’s precise play and Praggnanandhaa’s tactical brilliance make this a must-watch clash.

Meanwhile, Abdusattorov, tied at the top with Gukesh and Praggnanandhaa, will look to maintain his momentum. Fedoseev, just half a point behind, remains in striking distance and could challenge the leaders with a decisive result in the next round.

A Tournament of High Stakes

The Tata Steel Chess Masters 2025 has already delivered thrilling games, showcasing the immense talent of its participants. As the tournament progresses, every round carries greater stakes, with the players battling not only for the prestigious title but also for critical rating points and global recognition.

For Gukesh, this tournament provides another opportunity to solidify his reputation as one of the brightest stars in the chess world. For Praggnanandhaa and Abdusattorov, a strong performance here could propel them closer to becoming top contenders for future world championship cycles.

The stage is set, the stakes are high, and the players are ready to deliver more electrifying chess as the Tata Steel Chess Masters moves into its decisive rounds.

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Michigan State Basketball Overcomes Rutgers

Category – Team Sports 

No. 8 Michigan State basketball showcased depth and tenacity once again, claiming an 81-74 victory over Rutgers on Saturday afternoon at Madison Square Garden. The Spartans (17-2, 8-0 Big Ten) extended their winning streak to 12 games with a strong second-half performance that turned a tied halftime score into a decisive win.

The Spartans’ victory further solidified their dominance in the Big Ten, and their next three games—starting with Tuesday’s matchup against Minnesota—will only be available via Peacock streaming. With this win, head coach Tom Izzo added his 351st conference victory to his illustrious career. Izzo now sits just three wins shy of surpassing Bob Knight’s Big Ten record of 353 wins. A win over Minnesota could set up a record-tying opportunity at USC next Saturday, with the potential record-breaking game at UCLA on February 4.

Second-Half Surge Powers Spartans

Michigan State opened the second half with a scorching shooting stretch, hitting 12 of their first 18 shots. That offensive explosion transformed the halftime tie into a 13-point lead. Freshman Jase Richardson led the charge, setting a season-high with 20 points, including three of Michigan State’s five 3-pointers. Coen Carr added an energetic 14 points and tied a career-high with eight rebounds in 26 minutes. Jaden Akins contributed 12 points and five rebounds, despite a tough shooting night (3-for-15 from the field).

The Spartans dominated the boards, finishing with a 44-34 rebounding advantage. Ten players contributed at least two points and two rebounds, showcasing the team’s depth. Michigan State also excelled in ball movement, with six players combining for 19 assists on 27 made baskets. Tre Holloman led the team with six assists, while Frankie Fidler added five.

Despite their offensive success, the Spartans struggled with turnovers in the second half. They committed 10 of their 15 turnovers in the final 20 minutes, including five in the last 6:11. Rutgers capitalized on the miscues to mount a late comeback attempt, but Michigan State held firm to secure the win.

Izzo Critiques Team’s Mentality

Head coach Tom Izzo acknowledged the importance of the victory but expressed disappointment with certain aspects of the team’s performance. “I was happy we won because you have to win games like this,” Izzo said. “But I was really disappointed. I felt for the first time we kind of looked a little more entitled. We looked like we’re reading our own press clippings.”

Izzo’s comments reflected a desire to keep his team grounded as they continue their impressive run in conference play. With a challenging stretch of games ahead, the Spartans will need to maintain their focus to remain atop the Big Ten standings.

Richardson and Carr Shine in the Spotlight

Freshman Jase Richardson stepped into the spotlight with his best game of the season. The young guard displayed confidence and poise, scoring 20 points on efficient shooting and helping the Spartans build momentum in the second half. His performance included three key 3-pointers, which provided crucial spacing for Michigan State’s offense.

Coen Carr also delivered a standout performance, showcasing his energy and athleticism on both ends of the floor. His 14 points and eight rebounds energized the Spartans, particularly during pivotal moments in the second half. Carr’s hustle and determination set the tone for Michigan State’s dominance on the boards.

Madison Square Garden Milestone

The victory marked a significant milestone for Michigan State at Madison Square Garden. The Spartans improved their all-time record at the historic venue to 5-17, with Izzo now holding a 5-13 record at the Garden. This win ended Michigan State’s drought at the “Mecca of Basketball,” as their last victory at the venue came during the 2018 Big Ten Tournament when they defeated Wisconsin.

Looking Ahead

Michigan State faces Minnesota on Tuesday in East Lansing, where they will look to extend their winning streak to 13 games. A victory against the Gophers would bring Izzo one step closer to breaking Bob Knight’s Big Ten coaching record. Following the Minnesota game, the Spartans will travel to USC and UCLA for critical matchups that could further test their resolve.

With their depth, unselfish play, and ability to execute under pressure, Michigan State has positioned itself as a top contender in the Big Ten. However, Izzo’s emphasis on staying grounded will play a key role in the Spartans’ ability to navigate the challenges ahead.

Michigan State basketball continues to thrive, blending experience and youth into a formidable force. The team’s ability to execute in key moments, led by standout performances from players like Jase Richardson and Coen Carr, has powered their remarkable 12-game winning streak. As the Spartans gear up for the second half of their Big Ten campaign, the combination of Izzo’s leadership and the team’s depth ensures they remain a team to watch in the race for the conference title.

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