Anand Stuns World Champion Gukesh as Global Chess League 2025 Day 3 Opens Up in Mumbai

By Jairaj | December 2025 | Global Chess League

Global Chess League 2025 Day 3: Anand Stuns Gukesh in Mumbai

Tech Mahindra Global Chess League 2025 Day 3 delivered its most dramatic day yet in Mumbai on Tuesday, as former world champion Viswanathan Anand defeated reigning world champion Gukesh Dommaraju, triggering a major shake up at the top of the standings. With both early leaders suffering defeats, the tournament moved into a rare and volatile position four teams tied on six match points after day three.

Anand’s victory powered Ganges Grandmasters to a commanding 12–3 win over PBG Alaskan Knights, while Triveni Continental Kings and upGrad Mumba Masters both slipped, allowing the chasing pack to close in. With the league approaching its midpoint, the narrative has shifted from early dominance to pure uncertainty.

Standings After Day 3

• Ganges Grandmasters 12–3 PBG Alaskan Knights
• Fyers American Gambits 10–8 Triveni Continental Kings
• Alpine SG Pipers 9–7 upGrad Mumba Masters

After these results, Ganges Grandmasters, Triveni Continental Kings, Alpine SG Pipers, and upGrad Mumba Masters are all locked on six match points. PBG Alaskan Knights remain winless after three rounds, anchored to the bottom of the table.

Ganges Grandmasters vs. PBG Alaskan Knights (12–3)

The defining moment of the day came on the marquee board, where Viswanathan Anand produced a masterclass against Gukesh Dommaraju. Playing with the white pieces, Anand applied a long term queenside clamp, gradually tightening the position until Gukesh was left without active counterplay.

Anand later described the experience as both demanding and energizing, emphasizing how the league’s fast time controls demand constant alertness. The victory marked a third straight defeat for Gukesh a difficult opening stretch for the reigning world champion in a format that punishes even minor inaccuracies.

Support arrived swiftly for Ganges. Javokhir Sindarov rejected a draw against Leinier Dominguez, pressing a complex middlegame into a full point, while Polina Shuvalova added further momentum by defeating Kateryna Lagno. The emphatic scoreline lifted Ganges Grandmasters level with the leaders and reinforced how quickly fortunes can turn in the Global Chess League.

For context, see how the tournament unfolded on Day 2 and the explosive opening on Day 1.

Triveni Continental Kings vs. Fyers American Gambits (8–10)

The most chaotic contest of Day 3 unfolded between Triveni Continental Kings and Fyers American Gambits, where early control dissolved into a dramatic late reversal.

Alireza Firouzja continued his remarkable run, securing his third consecutive victory this time against Hikaru Nakamura. Employing an offbeat opening that led to an early queen trade, Firouzja steered the game into familiar terrain and gradually outplayed Nakamura in a technical middlegame.

Alexandra Kosteniuk appeared to push Triveni further ahead with a sharp attacking win that ended in checkmate. However, Fyers responded emphatically. Richard Rapport delivered the tactical highlight of the day with the spectacular 25…Qg3!! against Vidit Gujrathi, instantly flipping the evaluation. Volodar Murzin then completed a stunning turnaround, winning a previously lost position against Marc’Andria Maurizzi amid severe time pressure.

The match underscored the league’s distinctive scoring system, where wins with the black pieces carry extra weight and amplify late swings.

Alpine SG Pipers vs. upGrad Mumba Masters (9–7)

Alpine SG Pipers edged upGrad Mumba Masters in a tense encounter defined by momentum shifts across all boards. Hou Yifan dismantled Koneru Humpy with a crushing kingside attack, while Maxime Vachier-Lagrave showcased elite endgame technique to defeat Fabiano Caruana.

R Praggnanandhaa achieved a dominant position against Shakhriyar Mamedyarov but ultimately settled for a draw, keeping Mumba in contention. The decisive moment arrived late, when Leon Mendonca capitalized on a critical blunder by Bardiya Daneshwar to convert a clean checkmate.

World Champion Under Pressure, Tournament Wide Open

While much attention will focus on Gukesh’s rocky start, the broader story is the league’s growing competitiveness. Facing elite opposition in rapid succession, the reigning world champion has endured a difficult opening phase, but his pedigree and proven resilience remain beyond doubt.

As the current world champion, Gukesh has both the tools and experience to respond though in a compressed league format, his margin for error is undeniably shrinking. With several rounds still to play, a single strong result could quickly flip the narrative from early turbulence to a comeback storyline.

Day 4 Preview and Format Explained

Day 4 action begins on December 17 at 5:00 p.m. IST, headlined by a crucial clash between Triveni Continental Kings and Ganges Grandmasters a fixture that could finally break the four way tie at the top.

The Tech Mahindra Global Chess League features a six team double round robin format, with the top two teams advancing to the final. Games are played at 20 minutes with increment, and scoring is structured as follows:

• 4 points for a win with the black pieces
• 3 points for a win with the white pieces
• 1 point each for a draw

Fans can watch Day 4 live on Chess.com, along with Chess24, Twitch, and YouTube, with coverage hosted by Irina Krush and Harshit Raja.