Abdusattorov Clinches London Chess Classic with a Round to Spare

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Uzbek grandmaster Nodirbek Abdusattorov has won the prestigious London Chess Classic 2025 at London’s Emirates Stadium, securing the title one round before the tournament’s conclusion.

In the eighth round, Abdusattorov drew with the tournament’s top seed, French grandmaster Alireza Firouzja, bringing his total to 7 points out of 8 and ensuring the championship in advance. Firouzja remains in second place with 5 points. In the final ninth round, Abdusattorov will face Ukrainian grandmaster Pavel Eljanov.

Abdusattorov started the tournament with a draw against British grandmaster Gawain Jones, followed by six consecutive victories. In the second round, playing White, he defeated Indian-American grandmaster Abhimanyu Mishra, and in the third round, he beat Russian grandmaster Nikita Vitiugov, representing England, with Black. In the fourth round, he triumphed over 54-year-old British champion Michael Adams.

In the fifth round, Abdusattorov, with Black, defeated U.S. champion Sam Shankland — the only win of the round. In the seventh round, playing White, he overcame English grandmaster Luke McShane, marking his sixth consecutive victory.