Super Chess Classic Romania: Keymer, Pragg and MVL score

Pragg ends Sindarov’s undefeated streak

Following a first round in which all five games were drawn, the Super Chess Classic Romania produced its first three decisive results on Friday. Vincent Keymer, Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu and Maxime Vachier-Lagrave all won in round two, becoming the first co-leaders of the tournament. Their victories came in different types of struggles: Keymer prevailed in a strategic battle, Vachier-Lagrave outplayed Alireza Firouzja in a sharp Najdorf Sicilian, while Praggnanandhaa held off an attacking attempt by Javokhir Sindarov before converting his material advantage.

Notably, Pragg ended Sindarov’s unbeaten streak in classical chess. The winner of the Candidates had gone 53 consecutive classical games without a loss, signing only wins or draws since his previous defeat, against Ivan Cheparinov at the Grand Swiss in September 2025. In the head-to-head between the 20-year-olds, Sindarov had twice defeated Pragg on his way to his historic Candidates triumph – but this time it was the defending champion of the Romanian event who came out on top.

The two remaining games were drawn. Fabiano Caruana v. Anish Giri was a 37-move draw arising from a theoretical line of the Ruy Lopez. Jorden van Foreest v. Wesley So lasted 55 moves, but the game’s evaluation was mostly close to complete equality out of the Berlin Defence chosen by So.

Round 2 results

Anish Giri played two games with black, and signed two draws | Photo: Lennart Ootes

Sindarov 0-1 Praggnanandhaa

Sindarov sacrificed material to generate attacking chances, but Pragg showed strong nerves in defence and managed to neutralise the pressure. Once the attack had been contained, the Indian grandmaster made the most of his material advantage.

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Free video sample: Introduction to the Opening Section

Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu defeated Javokhir Sindarov | Photo: Lennart Ootes

Firouzja 0-1 Vachier-Lagrave

In the all-French encounter, Vachier-Lagrave once again relied on his usual Najdorf Sicilian. The game developed into a double-edged battle, in which MVL handled the complications better and outplayed his Iranian-born opponent.

Most players prefer to attack rather than defend. But what is the correct way to do it? GM Dr Karsten Müller has compiled many rules and motifs to guide you, along with sharpening your intuition for the exceptions.

Najdorf Sicilian specialist Maxime Vachier-Lagrave | Photo: Lennart Ootes

Keymer 1-0 Deac

Keymer got the better of wildcard Bogdan-Daniel Deac from the white side of a Reti Opening. The position developed into a strategic struggle and, at a critical point, Deac weakened his kingside decisively with …g7-g6. Keymer reacted accurately and punished the mistake without hesitation.

The King‘s Indian Attack is a universal opening: easy to learn, flexible, and rich in both tactical and positional opportunities.

Vincent Keymer facing Bogdan-Daniel Deac | Photo: Lennart Ootes

Standings after round 2

All games

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