Giri vs Wei • Tech Mahindra Global Chess League • Mumbai, India (2025) • Queen’s Pawn Game (D02)
Francisco Yepes Barrera
1 min read
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Amid the electric atmosphere of Mumbai’s Tech Mahindra Global Chess League 2025—the third edition of FIDE’s rapid team spectacle from December 14-23, pitting six powerhouse franchises in a round-robin frenzy for glory—Dutch GM Anish Giri (2760, Alpine SG Pipers) clashed with Chinese superstar Wei Yi (2754, Triveni Continental Kings) in Round 17, a pivotal group stage encounter on Day 6. Coming off a first-round loss where Wei had edged Giri, this rematch carried revenge vibes; Giri, avenging that defeat in a brilliant display, helped his Pipers notch a 12-8 team win, while Kings bounced back later that day to stay atop the standings ahead of the finals won by Pipers.
Giri opted for a solid Queen’s Pawn setup: 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nf3 d5 3.c3 c5 4.dxc5, grabbing the pawn as Wei countered with e6 Nc6 b4 Be7. Tension erupted with g3 Ng4 8.Bd4 e5 9.h3 exd4, kicking off trades and a sharp skirmish, where Giri’s Nxc3 Qa4+ Rd1 seized the initiative. Wei slipped with 18…Qa5+?? 19…gxh5??, allowing Giri’s devastating 20.Ng5!, ripping open lines and piling on with Qe5 Bxd5 Qxh8+ for a crushing attack. Despite minor wobbles like 24.gxh5?! 30.Rd8+?!, Giri converted relentlessly into a mating net, sealing the point as Wei resigned amid the tactical storm.
