The second edition of the Global Chess League has kicked off in style, with five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand and Magnus Carlsen playing out a high-stakes draw in the top duel of the opening day.
The highly anticipated match between the two chess heavyweights from India and Norway ended in a stalemate, with Carlsen managing to steady the ship after a tough middle game that had the packed venue at Friends House on the edge of their seats.
The opening day of the competition saw teams from around the world squaring off in a series of intense matches, with American Gambits and Alpine SG Pipers emerging as victors to set the pace for the rest of the competition.
The electric atmosphere at the playing hall was more akin to a football match than a chess tournament, with players entering the hall dressed in their team jerseys and the crowd erupting in applause to show their support.
The opening match of the season was played between American Gambits and season one runners-up Mumba Masters, with American Gambits playing with the white pieces after winning the coin toss.
According to league regulations, each match starts with a coin toss to decide the colors, adding an extra layer of strategy and unpredictability to the competition.
Despite the draw between Anand and Carlsen, the stage is now set for an epic battle as the competition heats up and the world's top chess players clash in a bid for glory.
The Global Chess League is fast becoming one of the most exciting and competitive chess tournaments in the world, with a unique blend of strategy, skill, and sportsmanship that is captivating audiences around the globe.