5 min learnNew DelhiJun 10, 2026 11:29 PM IST
The fourth spherical of the UzChess Cup 2026 Masters occasion noticed two Indians pitted towards one another. Barring their nationality, there was nothing specifically that resembled how their tournaments had gone. On one facet was Arjun Erigaisi, collectively main the occasion with a few attracts and a win sandwiched in between. On the opposite facet was Vidit Gujrathi, languishing on the backside after endured a horrible begin to his marketing campaign as he misplaced his opening two video games earlier than gaining his first half level, which got here in a draw towards Nodirbek Abdusattorov.
Having performed a number of group occasions just like the Olympiad and the Asian Video games collectively in a tightly knit squad, each gamers are pretty accustomed to one another. They know their strengths, weaknesses, tips and maybe even one another’s mindset to some extent. So after they confronted one another for the umpteenth time in Tashkent on Wednesday, one might anticipate a battle of attrition with each combating for the total level.
It was certainly a battle on the board, not essentially attritional however combating nonetheless.
Vidit has an obvious weak point in managing his time on the clock. He usually runs low on time, which results in him dropping deadlines scrambles. It’s his will to struggle that has saved him on quite a few events. It was pure that Arjun would look to use this and discover a manner for himself within the sport.
Nevertheless it turned out to be a day when Vidit’s will to struggle was at its highest.
A well-prepared Arjun with the white items entered a Giuoco Piano sport and was dashing by his opening strikes, whereas Vidit was spending far an excessive amount of time on his clock to provide you with correct responses. The nineteenth transfer noticed the primary pawn alternate, which was solely the second commerce of the sport after the alternate of a light-squared bishop on the fifteenth transfer. Vidit had already used over an hour from the 90 minutes and was right down to 26 minutes and 40 seconds, whereas Arjun had gained 44 seconds by then by increments. The hole in time between the 2 gamers was one hour and 4 minutes.
Arjun continued to achieve time as an alternative of dropping it till the twenty seventh transfer, the place he had added over three minutes to his beginning 90 minute timer, whereas Vidit was struggling along with his clock at 11 minutes.
Story continues under this advert
Issues began to look even worse when Vidit cornered his rook to h4, which was deemed a mistake by chess.com. Not a grave mistake, however this was the primary misstep from him. Arjun quickly determined to alternate the second set of rooks, and the place was roughly equal as soon as once more. However Vidit was coping with hazard, along with his clock underneath 4 minutes and 7 extra strikes nonetheless to achieve time management.
Vidit confirmed exceptional composure to provide you with correct responses transfer after transfer till he had exchanged all main items. As soon as each gamers determined to commerce queens with equal pawns in a virtually symmetrical construction, it quickly turned evident that there was no juice left to squeeze from the place.
A draw by mutual settlement noticed them finish the sport on the forty sixth transfer, taking dwelling hard-earned half factors.
Madaminov dropping steam
What began as nice optimism for Mukhiddin Madaminov is slowly turning right into a short-lived excessive. He took down Russian large Ian Nepomniachtchi within the opening spherical to shock everybody. He then adopted it up with a second straight win over Nikolas Theodorou to reassure his place among the many elite.
Story continues under this advert
Nevertheless, the final two rounds have seen him lose his steam after dropping to Shamsiddin Vokhidov within the third spherical earlier than dropping one other level towards one other compatriot, Nodirbek Yakubboev.
Shamsiddin Vokhidov additionally gained his spherical, taking down Theodorou. This was Vokhidov’s second straight win, which has thrust him into the joint lead, becoming a member of Arjun and Nodirbek Abdusattorov.
Abdusattorov survived an enormous scare towards Nepomniachtchi, however the two-time Candidates winner failed to shut out the sport, permitting the Uzbek No. 1 to come back again and ultimately draw the sport.
The sport between Shakhriyar Mamedyarov and Hans Niemann additionally led to a draw.
Story continues under this advert
UzChess Cup 2026 – Masters Leaderboard after 4th spherical
1. Shamsiddin Vokhidov (UZB) – 2.5
2. Arjun Erigaisi (IND) – 2.5
3. Nodirbek Abdusattorov (UZB) – 2.5
4. Nodirbek Yakubboev (UZB) – 2
5. Hans Moke Niemann (USA) – 2
6. Mukhiddin Madaminov (UZB) – 2
7. Shakhriyar Mamedyarov (AZE) – 2
8. Ian Nepomniachtchi (RUS) – 2
9. Nikolas Theodorou (GRE) – 1.5
10. Vidit Gujrathi (IND) – 1