Magnus Carlsen, Denis Lazavik, Jan-Krzysztof Duda, and Nihal Sarin punched their tickets to the Winners Bracket semifinals at the 2026 Chess.com Open Playoffs. All four players won their second consecutive matches on Thursday, advancing past the first elimination round.
Carlsen's path through the bracket continues uninterrupted. The Norwegian world champion showed his trademark precision in both games, securing a convincing progression.
Lazavik delivered the tournament's biggest surprise so far. The Belarusian upset player knocked out higher-seeded opponents in back-to-back matches, cementing himself as a genuine threat in the field.
Duda maintained his form with two straight victories. The Polish grandmaster's preparation paid dividends, particularly in the middlegame positions where he exploited his opponents' inaccuracies.
Sarin's advancement was the cleanest of the day. The Indian prodigy's two wins moved him directly into the final four of the Winners Bracket.
The Losers Bracket now hosts the day's casualties. Rickard Sindarov, who came in as a title contender, fell out of contention entirely after dropping his match. His early elimination changes the tournament's complexion considerably.
The remaining field faces a brutal schedule. Winners Bracket players must win again to guarantee a place in the finals. The Losers Bracket offers one last chance to those still fighting for the title.