WATCH: Hikaru throws Gukesh’s king into crowd after USA’s dominant 5-0 win

World Number 2 Hikaru Nakamura stunned everyone with his gesture after checkmating reigning champions D Gukesh. The USA whitewashed India by 5-0 in the exhibition event Checkmate. In a bullet game, Hikaru defeated Gukesh to ensure a 5-0 victory for the US. Gukesh and Hikaru held draws against each other in both the 10-minute and 5-minute games.

In the decider, it was a minute bullet crash with a second extra where the American outclassed the Indian grandmaster. Despite Gukesh having a time advantage briefly, Hikaru showed his speed and precision in a limited time and turned the game around. However, after the win, Hikaru didn’t hold back as he took Gukesh’s kings and threw it towards the crowd.

P Iniyan wins 62nd National Chess Championship

On the sidelines, another Indian Grandmaster P Iniyan

ended up winning the 62nd National Chess Championship by remaining undefeated in the tournament having played over 11 rounds. The 23-year-old collected nine points out of possible 11 which include seven wins and four draws. He secured wins against International Master Harsh Suresh, GM Deepan Chakkravarthy of the Railways, and GM Sasikiran Krishnan of Petroleum Sports Promotion Board.

A total of 394 platers from India took part in a 10-day National Chess Championship competition. The tournament included 14 Grand Masters, 30 International Masters and 15 FIDE Masters who competed for the title. The final round was played between Abhijeet Gupta and P Iniyan. The 23-year-old was in a sole lead and was adjudged winner. With this win, Iniyan is now eligible for the Asian Championship, Commonwealth Championship and other events next year. With this, he also took his rating to 2600 plus.