Round 2 Clashes in the Prague Masters: Comebacks by Aravindh and Anton
The 2026 Prague Chess Festival Masters delivered more thrilling battles in round two. The chess world was focused in particular on defending champion GM Aravindh Chithambaram and experienced Ukrainian grandmaster GM Anton Korobov. After underwhelming performances in the opening round, both players produced true comeback stories in round two and showed that they remain serious contenders in the tournament.
The day's most striking encounter was undoubtedly the game between Aravindh Chithambaram and young talent GM Hans Niemann. Chithambaram found himself in an extremely difficult position at certain stages of the game and came close to defeat. Under time pressure, Niemann did not have the opportunity to calculate deeply enough to find the winning path. After missing the right moves at critical moments and failing to convert his advantage, Niemann allowed Chithambaram to turn the game around through strong defense and composure. For Aravindh, it was not just a win but a vital victory that boosted his morale and restored his confidence in the event.
A similar story unfolded in the game of veteran grandmaster Anton Korobov. Although he too fell into an inferior position against his opponent, he managed to equalize thanks to innovative play in the middlegame and superior endgame technique, eventually going on to win. Korobov's victory once again highlighted just how hard-fought the tournament has been and how no grandmaster gives up, even in the toughest moments. Such comebacks show that chess is not only a game of intellect, but also one in which psychological resilience and the ability to make the right decisions under pressure are crucial.
These dramatic results in round two promise major excitement in the later stages of the Prague Masters. The critical wins by both Aravindh and Anton could lead to significant changes in the standings while also serving as a warning to the rest of the field. With the race for the title already heating up, it is certain that even bigger surprises and unforgettable battles await in the rounds ahead.