The Alpine SG Pipers clinched the Tech Mahindra Global Chess League Season 3 title with a commanding performance, defeating Triveni Continental Kings 8.5-3.5 across two decisive matches in the finals.
The championship clash showcased elite chess at its finest, with the Pipers demonstrating superior depth and tactical sharpness when it mattered most. The finals saw dramatic swings, individual brilliance, and nerve-wracking endgames that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
Match 1: Pipers Take Control
The opening match set the tone as the Pipers surged to a 4-2 victory. Alireza Firouzja drew first blood for the Kings on Board 1, outplaying Fabiano Caruana in a sharp tactical battle. However, the Pipers responded emphatically through Anish Giri, who orchestrated a masterclass against Wei Yi, grinding down his opponent in a marathon 98-move endgame that showcased exceptional technique.
The Icon boards provided crucial draws, with Vidit and Praggnanandhaa splitting the point, while Hou Yifan and Zhu Jiner battled to a stalemate after 76 moves. The Pipers’ decisive advantage came from their women’s boards, where Nino Batsiashvili defeated Alexandra Kosteniuk, and Leon Luke Mendonca secured a vital win against MarcAndria Maurizzi.
Match 2: Championship Sealed
The second match belonged entirely to the Pipers, who dominated 4.5-1.5 to seal the championship. Fabiano Caruana turned the tables on Firouzja with a brilliant positional victory, while Giri continued his stellar form with another win over Wei Yi—his second consecutive victory proving instrumental in the title triumph.
Praggnanandhaa delivered when his team needed him most, defeating Vidit in a crisp 35-move tactical showcase. The Icon board once again ended in a draw between Hou Yifan and Zhu Jiner, but the damage was done elsewhere. Kosteniuk salvaged some pride for the Kings with a win over Batsiashvili, but Mendonca’s victory against Maurizzi confirmed the Pipers’ coronation.
Championship Heroes
Anish Giri emerged as the finals MVP, winning both his games with Black and demonstrating why he’s considered one of the world’s premier positional players. His endgame mastery and unshakeable composure under pressure proved decisive. Fabiano Caruana’s bounce-back victory in Match 2 showcased champion mentality, while young Praggnanandhaa announced himself on the biggest stage with a crucial win.
For the Kings, despite Firouzja’s early brilliance and individual flashes from their roster, they couldn’t match the Pipers’ collective strength when the pressure mounted.
The Alpine SG Pipers’ triumph marks a fitting conclusion to an enthralling season, with their balanced team composition and clutch performances in crucial moments proving to be the difference. As champions, they’ve set a new benchmark for team chess excellence in the Global Chess League.
