Gukesh crushes Donchenko, shares lead with Abdusattarov

Indian Grandmaster D Gukesh scores a crushing victory in Tata Steel Masters, while other players maintain their positions.

Indian Grandmaster D Gukesh scored a crushing victory over Alexander Donchenko in the 10th round of Tata Steel Masters in Wijk Aan Zee on January 25.

This was Gukesh's fifth victory overall in the tournament besides two losses and the Indian moved to 6.5 points out of a possible 10.

Uzbek Nodirbek Abdusattarov made sure Gukesh did not figure as the sole leader with a hard-earned victory over Max Warmerdam.

With three rounds still remaining in the first super-tournament of the year, India's R Praggnanandhaa and local star Anish Giri are closest to the two leaders with six points apiece while Vidit Gujrathi is in close pursuit on 5.5 points.

The day produced just three decisive games and both Gukesh and Abdusattarov won in contrasting fashion.

Playing the black side of a Nimzo Indian, Gukesh went for tactical complications after Donchenko went for an unwarranted King side attack.

The German faltered in his calculation and Gukesh pounced on it to win two minor pieces for a rook. The complications remained but Gukesh never let the position slip out of his hands.