Déjà vu for Gukesh: Another slip, another win for Abdusattorov

World Champion D Gukesh Dommaraju ’s search for a first win at the 2026 Prague International Chess Festival remains elusive, as Nodirbek Abdusattorov once again got the better of the Indian star in Round 5.

The match unfolded as a tense, strategic battle. Playing Black, Gukesh initially dominated the middle game, creating multiple weaknesses around Abdusattorov’s king and appearing on course for his first Masters section victory. Computers suggested he was heading for a win, but a critical blunder under time pressure allowed Abdusattorov to convert his advantage and secure the full point. This victory marks yet another head-to-head triumph for the Uzbek grandmaster over the Indian champion.

While Abdusattorov celebrated, Dutch GM Jorden van Foreest continued his brilliant run, defeating Hans Moke Niemann to maintain the tournament lead and rise further in the live world rankings . David Navara impressed once again with a grinding victory over Nodirbek Yakubboev , while Parham Maghsoodloo and David Anton Guijarro also secured wins, making it a rare day where all five Masters games were decisive .

After five rounds, van Foreest sits at the top of the standings, with Abdusattorov and Navara close behind. Gukesh and fellow Indian Aravindh Chithambaram remain at the lower end of the leaderboard, each looking to bounce back in the coming rounds.

In the Challengers section , Vaclav Finek of the Czech Republic continued his strong form, moving a full point clear after defeating Daniil Yuffa. Meanwhile, World Women’s Cup winner Divya Deshmukh earned her first victory, beating fellow Indian Surya Shekhar Ganguly .

The tournament now pauses for a rest day , with Round 6 set to resume on Tuesday, March 3 , promising more high-stakes clashes as the battle for the title intensifies.