Dubai [UAE], June 23 (ANI): The inaugural edition of the Global Chess League, which aims to revolutionize chess, has started in Dubai, with the first two matches taking place. In the first match, Mumba Masters defeated the Continental Kings 8:7 in a thrilling encounter while in the second match, Ganges Grandmasters won with 10 game points, while the Titans ended on four.

The first teams to face each other were the Triveni Continental Kings who were up against Mumba Masters.

After the coin toss, it was decided that Triveni Continental Kings will be playing with white pieces, giving a small but important edge to the team in their first match. Led by Levon Aronian, a super Grandmaster who has long been among the world’s best players, the Triveni Continental Kings played a steady match against Mumba Masters. Despite the initiative of the first move, the Kings failed to capitalize on their advantage.

In a slightly better position and with more time, Levon Aronian misplayed and allowed Maxime Vachier-Lagrave (another Icon player of the Global Chess League) to equalize and bring the game to a draw. The team faced another setback when Chinese Grandmaster Yu Yangyi suffered a defeat at the hands of Russian heavyweight Alexander Grischuk, giving Mumba Masters an important advantage as a victory with black pieces counts as four points. Despite Yu’s compatriot Wie Yi scoring a victory against India’s Vidit Gujrathi and earning three points, the Kings were still a point short.

Unfortunately for them, all three other games ended in a draw. This meant that the final score saw Mumba Masters secure eight points while the Triveni Continental Kings ended on seven thus losing the match, despite the initial advantage. Apart from the eight points achieved in their games, the winning team is awarded another three points for winning the match.

In the post-match press conference, Levon Aronian and Maxime Vachier-Lagerave shared their thoughts about the match and the new concept of organizing chess events.

“This event is unusual for us as we are in a team with players we know well, but with whom we have never actually been playing as team members, and, also, this event features a completely new concept,” both Levon and Maxime noted.

“I feel a lot of responsibility. You are familiar with these players but usually as opponents, not as members of the same team. Also, as the leading player in the team I feel I have to motivate others”, said Levon Aronian.

“In our team Sasha Grischuk [one of the most experienced top players in the Global Chess League] made us all feel inspired. He showed us motivation and that is what is needed when in a new surrounding, playing a new event”, said Maxime Vachier-Lagrave.

Both agreed that this new concept brings “excitement” and “novelty” to chess which will improve the way the game is seen.

“Both Levon and I are strong advocates for bringing the media and the public more into chess and events like this help a lot”, said Maxime Vachier Lagrave.

The second match of the day was between Ganges Grandmasters and Chingari Gulf Titans. The Ganges Grandmasters were lucky to make their debut at the GCL playing with white pieces.

The Ganges team has seasoned and experienced world players such as the legendary Indian Grandmaster and five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand as well as the former women’s world champion Hou Yifan. The team also has Richard Rapport, one of the most creative chess players of the younger generation, who played a crucial role in Ding Liren’s path to securing the world chess crown (acting as his second and advising him during the match for the world title).

The advantage of playing with white pieces and experience came in handy as Viswanathan Anand managed to defeat Jan-Krzysztof Duda, the former winner of the World Cup. Viswanathan Anand’s early victory gave an important boost to the Ganges team. Hou Yifan was the second to score, defeating another former women’s world champion Alexandra Kosteniuk in a thrilling game. Those two victories were the only decisive games of the match as the other four ended in a draw.

In the end, the Ganges Grandmasters won with 10 game points, while the Titans ended on four. With an added three match points following their victory, the Ganges Grandmasters have had an excellent start and have capitalized hugely on their advantage of playing with white pieces.

Vishy Anand was clearly happy after the match and excited about the prospects of the Global Chess League.

“My team started well and that’s great. We are in unchartered waters here. This is a new vibe for chess. We all came here curious to see what will happen and how this will play out and so far it is proving to be exciting and promises a lot”, said Anand.

Final Scores: Match 1: Mumba Masters beat Triveni Continental Kings 8-7Match 2: Ganges Grandmasters beat Chingari Gulf Titans 10-4. (ANI)