The day two of FIDE Chess Candidates 2024 tournament belonged to India’s Vidit Gujrathi who stunned world number three Hikaru Nakamura in the second round. By beating Nakamura, world number 26 Vidit broke the American’s 47-match unbeaten streak in classical chess and dealt a massive blow to Hikaru’s chances of reaching the world championship tie.

The 2024 Candidates Tournament is an eight-player chess competition which will determine the challenger for the reigning world champion Ding Liren. The women’s competition is also being held alongside the Open tournament and the winner will face Ju Wenjun.

Candidates Chess Day 1 results

Gujrathi, who drew against fellow Indian D Gukesh in the first round, defeated Nakamura playing with black pieces.

Before the start of the tournament, former world champion Magnus Carlsen, who is on a break, had praised Gujrathi’s talent.

“Vidit has improved a lot, especially from a psychological point. I’m sure he will be very serious and well prepared. He will not win the tournament. Although, I feel he has the capacity to make a really good score if things go his way. I really like the way he plays,” Carlsen told Chess.com.

In an all-Indian match, 17-year-old D Gukesh defeated R Praggnanandhaa playing with black pieces.

Praggnanandhaa’s sister Vaishali Rameshbabu lost China’s Tan Zhongyi while Humpy Koneru played a draw with Kateryna Lagno.

On Day 3, Gujrathi will face Praggnanandhaa and Gukesh will take on Ian Nepomniachtchi.