GCT Finals: Caruana Holds Draw, Keymer Triumphs in Blitz

Fabiano Caruana preserved his six-point lead over Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu in the Grand Chess Tour Finals after a challenging 95-move draw in their second classical game. This match took place on Wednesday, leaving Caruana ahead 9-3 before the final rapid and blitz section scheduled for Thursday.

Praggnanandhaa, who had lost the first classical game, sought to narrow the gap with a potential six-point win. Despite initially having promising chances, he allowed his advantage to slip away, leading to a drawn opposite-colored bishop ending after five and a half hours of play.

In another match, Wesley So and Vincent Keymer ended their classical game in a draw, prompting a bonus blitz game. Keymer ultimately won this blitz match, putting him ahead 8-6 before the concluding session. The final matches will determine the overall champion and the third-place finisher, who will secure a spot in the 2027 Grand Chess Tour.