India, Feb. 7 -- Currently in action at the first leg of the Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Tour at Weissenhaus Resort in Wangels, Germany, D Gukesh began his campaign on a strong note despite failing to bag a win. Paired against Uzbek GM and arch-rival Nodirbek Abdusattorov.

Gukesh, who is the reigning World Chess Champion, was at a weak position towards the end, but managed to stage a draw, with Nodirbek having two Knights and a King remaining. Meanwhile, Gukesh only had a King left. The India No. 1 was down to the last minute on the clock while Nodirbek had nearly four minutes in his time balance, and both players had played out 50 moves so far midway through the game.

It ended up being a hard-fought 96-move draw for Gukesh.

But he fail...