The result kept Keymer a point clear of nearest rival Arjun Erigaisi, who was also held to a draw by compatriot Pranav V.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Erigaisi and Keymer will play each other in a clash between the table toppers on day 6, with the latter starting with whites. <\/p>\r\n\r\n
Now in its third year, the Quantbox Chennai Grand Masters 2025 is India\u2019s strongest classical chess event. Organised by MGD1, it features two elite 10-player round-robin sections\u2014Masters and Challengers\u2014across nine rounds in ten days. With a \u20b91 Crore prize pool, the Masters winner earns \u20b925 Lakhs, the Challengers winner \u20b97 Lakhs and a coveted 2026 Masters berth. The event also offers FIDE Circuit points, with the Masters champion securing 24.5 toward 2026 Candidates qualification.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Erigaisi and Keymer will play each other in a clash between the table toppers on day 6, with the latter starting with whites. <\/p>\r\n\r\n
The Challengers section saw a remarkable sweep for the black pieces on the top boards, with leader GM Abhimanyu Puranik defeating GM Harika Dronavalli to extend his lead to a commanding full point. IM Harshavardhan GB scored a win with black by overcoming GM Vaishali Rameshbabu, while GM Leon Luke Mendonca held GM Pranesh M to a draw to remain in joint second. GM Iniyan Pa also split the point with GM Diptayan Ghosh.<\/p>\r\n\r\n