Global Chess League | Continental Kings extend reign

Triveni Continental Kings defeat PBG Alaska Knights in Tech Mahindra Global Chess League final in London.

 A true champion knows when to strike. Like Triveni Continental Kings did on a cloudy Saturday afternoon in central London.

The Continental Kings had lost both their matches to PBG Alaska Knights in the league stage of the Tech Mahindra Global Chess League, but in the final against the same rival at the historical Friends House, they showed their class. They won the matches 9-7 and 13-7 to retain the title they won in the inaugural edition.

Remarkably, they did it with a virtually last-minute replacement on the Icon board: Alireza Firouzja came in for Ian Nepomniachtchi. The Iran-born Frenchman played a key role in their run to the final, scoring heavily against the best players of the league.

It was his win against Anish Giri on the Icon board that gave the lead for Continental Kings. With white pieces, he won the rook-and-minor piece ending in 45 moves.

The game between Teimour Radjaobov and Shakhriyar Mamedyarov ended in a draw. Then, Alexandra Kosteniuk’s win over Tan Zhongyi clinched the match for Continental Kings.

Wei Yi’s defeat to Nodirbek Abdusattov didn’t matter much. Valentina Gunina drew with Alina Kashlinskaya, as did Jovakhir Sindarov with Nihal Sarin.

In the second match too, Kosteniuk played a starring role. Her speed and presence of mind ensured the title would be decided in the second match itself, as she outwitted Tan for the second time in the day.