Jammu, April 18 -- The 2024 Candidates Chess tournament is heating up with just two rounds left as three players find themselves tied at the top. After starting slowly, Indian prodigy Gukesh Dommaraju showed grit and determination to defeat Nijat Abasov of Azerbaijan to catch tournament leaders Ian Nepomniachtchi and Hikaru Nakamura on 7.5 points.

In the other crucial matchups of the day, America's Hikaru Nakamura continued his strong form with a win over Alireza Firouzja of France. Meanwhile, Nepomniachtchi had to settle for a draw against fellow Indian talent R Praggnanandhaa who once again showed his potential at the highest level. Vidit Gujrathi's struggles meanwhile continued as the local star suffered another loss, going down to Fa...