Day 2 of the FIDE Candidates Tournament in Toronto was a day to remember! Shocks, upsets, and brilliant displays of chess mastery unfolded across the boards, leaving fans stunned and the tournament wide open. 
The Battle of the Young Guns: 
The most anticipated clash of the day was the all-Indian battle between 17-year-old Gukesh and 16-year-old Praggnanandhaa. Both players are considered prodigies, having already achieved remarkable feats at such a young age. The match lived up to the hype, filled with tactical fireworks and aggressive play. However, it was Gukesh who emerged victorious in a sensational upset. 
Early on, both players opted for sharp openings, maneuvering their pieces with youthful confidence. However, in a critical moment, Praggnanandhaa miscalculated a tactical sequence, leaving his position vulnerable. Gukesh, ever alert, seized the opportunity and capitalized on the mistake with impressive precision. 
With each move, Gukesh tightened his grip, slowly squeezing the life out of Praggnanandhaa’s position. The young prodigy fought valiantly, but the damage was done. Gukesh ultimately converted his advantage into a full point, sending shockwaves through the tournament and proving that age is just a number on the 64 squares. 
Vidit Gujrathi’s Masterclass:
While the youngsters stole the spotlight in one corner, another Indian player, Vidit Gujrathi, delivered a masterclass performance on the other side of the competition hall. His opponent? None other than the formidable World no.3, Hikaru Nakamura.
Playing with the white pieces, Vidit opted for a solid opening, slowly building up pressure and maneuvering his pieces into dominant positions. Nakamura, known for his aggressive style, found himself on the defensive early on. Vidit’s positional mastery shone through as he squeezed Nakamura’s space and restricted his options. 
The relentless pressure culminated in a crushing blow delivered by Vidit in just 29 moves. Nakamura, stunned by the speed and precision of his opponent’s play, was left with no viable defense. This clinical display by Vidit not only shattered Nakamura’s impressive 47-game unbeaten streak but also showcased the depth of talent in the competition. 
A Tournament Wide Open:
With these unexpected results, the 2024 Candidates Tournament has taken a dramatic turn. The early favorites have been challenged, and the path to the World Championship remains unclear. Gukesh’s win has ignited hope for a potential Indian challenger, while Vidit’s display has cemented his position as a serious contender. 
The upcoming rounds promise to be filled with nail-biting tension and strategic fireworks. Every move, every decision, will hold immense weight as the players battle for the coveted right to challenge the World Chess Champion. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting and unpredictable tournament! 
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