Panaji: Goa’s Leon Mendonca was part of the Ganges Grandmasters’ title-winning campaign in the Global Chess League (GCL), and the victory, his second in as many years, carried a special significance.“Winning back-to-back Global Chess League titles with two different teams makes this incredibly special,” said GM Mendonca. “I was part of Alpine SG Pipers’ championship-winning side last season, and to now win with Ganges Grandmasters after competing against my former team is a unique feeling.”The Grandmasters won the two-leg final 7-5 after drawing the opening leg 3-3, while American Gambits defeated Mumba Masters 7.5-4.5 to finish third.This year’s contest witnessed one of the closest league stages, with all six teams in contention for the top four spots until the eighth round. The finalists were decided only after the final league match. The Pipers reached the final after Mumba Masters defeated the Gambits in the last league game, but could not overcome the Ganges Grandmasters, who had topped the league stage on better game points.With the first leg ending 3-3, the Pipers appeared to have the advantage with the white pieces. World number one Magnus Carlsen was looking good for a win on the Icon board, but a positional error on move 28 allowed Ian Nepomniachtchi to take control. Stavroula Tsolakidou then defeated Koneru Humpy to put the result beyond doubt.“We built a great bond through the season, and contributing to this title means a lot. As a Goan, I also hope this inspires more youngsters back home to believe they can compete and succeed on the world stage,” said Mendonca.Meanwhile, Stavroula Tsolakidou was named player of the tournament after scoring 21.5 points from 12 games, including six wins and three draws. Harika D of Mumba Masters remained the only unbeaten player of the season, scoring 18.5 points from four wins and eight draws.
