57th Biel GMT R3: Vaishali scores a hat-trick to emerge sole leader
19/07/2024 - R Vaishali scored a hat-trick of wins to emerge sole leader at 57th Biel Chess Festival GMT Challengers 2024. Her third round win was a bit bumpy one. Before gaining a decisive advantage, her opponent, Ihor Samunenkov (UKR) had an opportunity to gain winning chances himself. The teenager missed his opportunity and Vaishali soon seized hers. Vaishali is now the sole leader having 17/26. She is now 2.5 points ahead of Salem Saleh (UAE) 15.5/26. R Praggnanandhaa drew with the Armania no.1 - Haik Martirosyan. GM Krishnan Sasikiran and GM Koustav Chatterjee drew their respective games. They are joined by GM Aryan Chopra and GM Leon Luke Mendonca in a nine-way lead 3.5/4 in the MTO. GMT Round 4 and MTO Round 5 starts today at 2 p.m. local time, 5:30 p.m. IST. Photo: Biel Chess Festival