25th Dubai Open R5: Grebnev grabs sole lead

GM Muradli Mahammad (AZE) drew against GM Nihal Sarin in Round 5 of 25th Dubai Open 2025. It was a well contested draw and neither player had any real chances. GM Bharath Subramaniyam H lost to GM Aleksey Grebnev who emerged sole leader 4.5/5. IM S Rohith Krishna had a hard-fought draw against GM Ivan Zemlyanskii. Nihal and Rohith are the only two Indians among five pursuers at 4/5 each. The remaining three are - Muradli, GM Shant Sargsyan (ARM) and GM Sina Movahed (IRI). Nihal will face Grebnev in Round 6. It starts today at 5 p.m. local time, 6:30 p.m. IST. Photo: Dubai Chess & Culture Club