Overview
- Abdusattorov defeated Luke McShane in round seven for his sixth win in a row, while the other four games ended in draws.
- The victory created a two-point cushion at the top of the Elite standings with a rest day before the penultimate round.
- Round eight pairs Abdusattorov with nearest pursuer Alireza Firouzja, who must win to keep the title race alive.
- The streak followed a round-one draw and included tense wins over Nikolas Theodorou and Sam Shankland after key midgame mistakes.
- The 10-player classical round-robin runs November 26–December 5 at London’s Emirates Stadium with 90+30 time control and a 30-second increment from move one.