Indian Prodigy Aravindh Chithambaram Triumphs in Chennai Grand Masters
Aravindh Chithambaram, a 25-year-old Indian chess prodigy, has emerged victorious in the prestigious Chennai Grand Masters tournament, outshining a formidable field that included three of the world’s top 15 players.
After a series of five consecutive draws in the initial rounds, Chithambaram’s fortunes turned with a decisive win over Arjun Erigaisi, India’s highest-ranked player. He followed this triumph with another victory against Parham Maghsoodloo in the final round, propelling him into a three-way tie for first place with Erigaisi and Levon Aronian.
In the ensuing tiebreaks, Aronian and Erigaisi each secured a win in blitz, while Aronian’s draw with Black in the Armageddon game proved sufficient to edge out Erigaisi. The stage was then set for a thrilling showdown between Chithambaram and Aronian.
Undeterred by the former world No. 2’s formidable reputation, Chithambaram held his ground, winning both his blitz games to claim the coveted title. “I had nothing to lose in this tournament, which took pressure off me, especially against top guys,” Chithambaram remarked. “I never thought I would win it until I did.”
Chithambaram’s triumph marks a significant milestone in his chess career. In September, he made his super tournament debut as a last-minute replacement for Vidit Gujrathi, who withdrew from the event. Despite facing formidable opponents like Ian Nepomniachtchi, Chithambaram showcased his exceptional skills, particularly in his endgame resourcefulness against Nodirbek Abdusattorov.
As a junior, Chithambaram displayed immense promise, becoming the U-19 national champion at the age of 12 and earning a silver medal at the world U-14 championship. He achieved the Grandmaster title at the tender age of 15, preceding the rise of current Indian teen superstars Praggnanandhaa, Erigaisi Gukesh, and Nihal Sarin.
At the 2013 Chennai Open GM tournament, held concurrently with the World Championship match between Magnus Carlsen and Viswanathan Anand, Chithambaram, then just 14 years old, defeated four GMs and two IMs, posting an impressive rating performance of 2728.
Coach RB Ramesh has praised Chithambaram’s versatility and exceptional preparation, calling him “the most talented player” he has ever coached. “He combines the qualities of a great opening batsman and a terrific pacer,” Ramesh said.
Chithambaram’s love for preparation has been a driving force in his success. “I like it more than playing tournaments,” he once confided in an interview. His dedication has paid off, as evidenced by his strong performances in recent events, including his victory at the Dubai Open in 2022.
Currently ranked 26th in the world with a live rating of 2718, Chithambaram’s time to shine has finally arrived. His victory in the Chennai Grand Masters is a testament to his exceptional talent and unwavering determination.