Firouzja holds the lead going into the final round of the Quantbox Chennai Grand Masters, sitting a half-point ahead after drawing with Abdusattorov. The tournament's co-leader, Arjun Erigaisi, fell to Nihal Sarin and now trails.
Firouzja's draw kept him steady at the top. He didn't need to take risks against Abdusattorov when holding first place entering the decisive round. That's smart tournament management. Erigaisi's loss stings more. He had been sharing the lead but couldn't maintain that position when it mattered most.
The final round will determine everything. Firouzja will defend his half-point advantage, which is thin enough that anyone within striking distance still has realistic chances. Sarin's upset of Erigaisi proves the field remains competitive and dangerous.
Gukesh also lost, adding to the drama of a tournament where the favorites haven't dominated. Chennai's chess scene clearly produces players who can compete at the highest level. The last round should deliver fireworks. Firouzja needs solid play to convert his lead. His opponents will come hard, knowing they have nothing to lose against the leader.