Five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand fell to former world blitz champion Maxime Vachier-Lagrave, as upGrad Mumba Masters secured a commanding 14-5 victory over Ganges Grandmasters on the second day of the Global Chess League.
Both teams entered the match seeking their first win, having lost their opening games.
Despite holding a stronger position, Anand made a costly blunder, allowing Vachier-Lagrave to turn the game around.
The French blitz champion capitalized on the error, tightening his control and securing a vital win.
The upGrad Mumba Masters, playing as Black, dominated the match, with a win on the youngsters’ board and a crucial draw on the second women’s board.
Ganges Grandmasters struggled, with world number three Arjun Erigaisi managing only a draw against Vidit Gujrathi.
Koneru Humpy’s win over Vaishali R sealed the match for upGrad Mumba Masters, and although Parham Maghsoodloo defeated Peter Svidler, it wasn’t enough to prevent Ganges from a 14-5 defeat.
With back-to-back losses and another match with white pieces ending in defeat, Ganges Grandmasters face an uphill battle to stay in contention.
Both teams will be back in action later tonight, with upGrad Mumba Masters facing Alpine SG Pipers and Ganges Grandmasters taking on Triveni Continental Kings.