GCT Finals: Scores remain tied going into rapid and blitz

The second classical games of the championship match and the third-place playoff both ended drawn in São Paulo, keeping both duels level at six points each. Maxime Vachier-Lagrave pressed Fabiano Caruana in a Sicilian that led to a rook endgame, but Caruana defended accurately. Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu, meanwhile, tested Levon Aronian in a queenless position, though Black’s well-placed minor pieces ensured the balance. The event now moves to rapid and blitz. | Photo: Lennart Ootes