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Tata Steel Chess India: Praggnanandhaa to Face Carlsen in High-Voltage Opener

Tata Steel Chess India: Praggnanandhaa to Face Carlsen in High-Voltage Opener

By November 12, 2024 0

The Tata Steel Chess India tournament is set to commence with a thrilling first-round matchup between Indian prodigy R Praggnanandhaa and world champion Magnus Carlsen in the rapid category. This year’s edition marks the sixth installment of the tournament, which will feature the Indian chess contingent that triumphed at the Chess Olympiad in Budapest.

In the previous edition, Maxime Vachier Lagrave emerged victorious in the rapid category, while Alexander Grishchuk claimed the blitz title. Divya Deshmukh and Ju Wenjun secured the rapid and blitz titles in the women’s category, respectively.

Praggnanandhaa expressed his admiration for Carlsen’s resilience and determination, stating, “His will to win is something that I really admire. He keeps playing even in positions that most people will agree for a draw, he just keeps playing and wins them.”

Carlsen, who is known for his selective tournament participation, revealed his motivation for attending the event: “A lot of the older players of my generation are not going to surprise you in a major way in terms of where they stand, but with the younger generation, it’s interesting to try and understand.”

Other notable participants in the tournament include Nodirbek Abdusattorov, Wesley So, Vincent Keymer, Daniil Dubov, Vidit Gujrathi, Aleksandra Goryachkina, Kateryna Lagno, Alexandra Kosteniuk, Valentina Gunina, Koneru Humpy, Vaishali R, and Harika Dronavalli.

The tournament also witnessed the presence of three-year-old Anish Sarkar, who recently became the youngest FIDE-rated chess player in the world with a rating of 1555. Carlsen remarked, “It’s amazing to see the level he’s at. My nephew is turning 4, he’s a bright young child, but I don’t see him getting a rating of 1500 anytime soon.”

Carlsen acknowledged the significant progress made by Indian chess, attributing it to the efforts of Viswanathan Anand. He stated, “Indian chess has come a long way since then, much thanks to Anand and what he did for Indian chess.”

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Indian Prodigy Aravindh Chithambaram Triumphs in Chennai Grand Masters

Indian Prodigy Aravindh Chithambaram Triumphs in Chennai Grand Masters

By November 11, 2024 0

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.

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3-Year-Old Anish Sarkar Becomes Youngest Rated Chess Player in History

3-Year-Old Anish Sarkar Becomes Youngest Rated Chess Player in History

By November 1, 2024 0

At the tender age of three years, eight months, and 19 days, Anish Sarkar from Kolkata has etched his name in chess history as the youngest rated player ever. His remarkable journey began with a fascination for chess pieces at just three years old.

Anish’s debut in competitive chess came at the West Bengal state Under-9 Open, where he impressed with 5.5 points out of 8 and defeated two rated players. His skills were further tested at the West Bengal state Under-13 Open, where he faced older and more experienced opponents. Despite the challenge, he met the requirement of facing five rated players, earning him an initial FIDE rating of 1555.

Anish’s emergence coincides with an exciting era in Indian chess, marked by the rise of young prodigies like Arjun Erigaisi, R Praggnanandhaa, and D Gukesh. Their success has inspired a nationwide interest in nurturing young talents like Anish.

Born into a lower-middle-class family, Anish’s journey began when he was drawn to chess videos on YouTube. His parents, with no prior knowledge of chess, introduced him to the game, and he quickly developed a passion for it.

Anish’s focus and dedication are remarkable. He trains for seven to eight hours a day and is known for his unwavering concentration at the chessboard. His idol is none other than world champion Magnus Carlsen, and he enjoys watching GothamChess on YouTube.

Anish’s coach, Dibyendu Barua, sees potential in the young prodigy but emphasizes the long journey ahead. He compares Anish to Mitrabha Guha, who became a Grandmaster at 20 years old.

Anish’s mother, who prefers to remain anonymous, supports her son’s passion quietly. She believes in his abilities and wants him to enjoy the game without pressure.

As Anish continues his chess journey, he is expected to participate in the upcoming Tata Steel Kolkata Chess, where he may have the opportunity to meet his idol, Magnus Carlsen.

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Young UK Grandmaster Shreyas Royal Trains with Indian Coach Swayams Mishra

Young UK Grandmaster Shreyas Royal Trains with Indian Coach Swayams Mishra

By October 30, 2024 0

Shreyas Royal: A Young Grandmaster’s Journey with Indian Coach Swayams Mishra

Shreyas Royal, the UK’s youngest Grandmaster, has sought guidance from Indian coach Swayams Mishra to enhance his chess skills. The 15-year-old from London is currently visiting India for a three-day training camp with Mishra in Bhubaneswar.

Royal’s pursuit of his final GM norm led him to Mishra, who shared his experience of waiting nearly three and a half years for his own GM norm. The young prodigy has been working with Mishra online for the past year, but this in-person camp provides a deeper level of coaching.

“There’s so much you can tell as a coach from just the body language of a student sitting across you,” said Mishra, India’s 62nd GM.

Royal recently faced off against Viswanathan Anand at the WR Masters in London, taking half a point from the legendary Indian chess player. While he lost the match, Royal gained valuable insights into the level of competition he needs to reach.

“I’m quite careless, even a bit lazy at times,” admitted Royal. “These mistakes don’t happen when I’m playing well. Swayams spotting it and getting me to work on it is good.”

Mishra believes that Royal has a solid foundation and a calculative approach to chess. However, he identified areas for improvement, particularly in opening preparation and psychological resilience.

“Swayams has been of huge psychological help, especially when it comes to me having the right mindset,” said Royal. “He’s also opened my eyes to opening preparation. It’s fair to say he’s not just a trainer, he’s a mentor.”

Royal’s visit to India has also given him a glimpse into the dedication and support that young Indian chess players receive. He believes that if his family had stayed in India, his chess journey might have been different.

“I think I’d still be successful as a player,” said Royal. “Hard to say to what degree.”

Royal plans to spend the rest of his India trip at his maternal home in Rourkela, where he will enjoy the open fields and play with his cousins.

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Arjun Erigaisi Crosses 2800 Rating Milestone, Sets Sights on Candidates Victory

Arjun Erigaisi Crosses 2800 Rating Milestone, Sets Sights on Candidates Victory

By October 28, 2024 0

Arjun Erigaisi, the 19-year-old Indian chess prodigy, has etched his name in history by becoming only the second Indian and 16th player globally to cross the coveted 2800 live rating milestone. However, a draw in the final round of the European Club Cup against Vasyl Ivanchuk has temporarily dropped him below the 2800 mark.

In an exclusive interview with HT, Erigaisi shared his thoughts on this remarkable achievement, his performance this year, and his aspirations for the future.

On the 2800 Mark:

“It’s an honor to join a list that includes legendary players like Kasparov, Magnus, and Vishy,” said Erigaisi. “But I didn’t have any specific ambitions for this milestone. My focus was on our team’s success, and we won the silver, which made me very happy.”

On His Performance and Rating Jump:

“I’ve been working on detaching myself from my results, and it’s definitely helped,” explained Erigaisi. “I lost three games this year, but each time, it didn’t affect my next game. In the past, one loss would often spiral into another.”

“I believe that during periods of stagnation, my level is actually increasing even if my rating doesn’t reflect it,” he added. “Once my rating starts to improve, it tends to keep rising.”

On His Risky Style of Play:

“As long as things are working out well, it’s fine,” said Erigaisi. “But against more stable 2750 players, I might need to take fewer risks and play a bit more solidly. I know I’m capable of doing that, so I’m very confident.”

On the Next Candidates:

“Missing out on the last Candidates was painful,” admitted Erigaisi. “But seeing Gukesh win it has certainly had an impact on me and changed how I look at things. Earlier, I really wanted to qualify for the Candidates and believed I could, but I never considered the possibility of winning. Gukesh’s success in his first attempt gives me the confidence that I too can win it on my first attempt.”

On His Current Standing:

“I’m a top player,” said Erigaisi confidently. “There’s mutual respect among the top guys. Of course, Magnus is clearly the best in all three formats.”

On the World Championship and Rivals:

“I’ll be following the match and chilling at home,” said Erigaisi. “I’ve been away from home for a long time, and I’ve played a lot of tournaments this year. Gukesh is definitely the favorite for the match. Pragg seems to be going through a bit of a rough patch, but I’m sure he’ll be back stronger. We are there for each other for emotional support, but at the end of the day, we’re rivals.”

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Arjun Erigaisi Crosses 2800 Elo Mark, Joins Elite Chess Club

Arjun Erigaisi Crosses 2800 Elo Mark, Joins Elite Chess Club

By October 24, 2024 0

Arjun Erigaisi, the rising star of Indian chess, has achieved a remarkable milestone by becoming only the second Indian player to cross the 2800 Elo mark, joining the elite club of chess grandmasters. This achievement is a testament to his exceptional talent and unwavering determination.

Erigaisi’s journey to the 2800 club has been marked by bold decisions and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Despite not receiving invitations to top closed super tournaments, he opted to participate in open tournaments, risking rating points but gaining invaluable experience. His performance at the Olympiad was nothing short of spectacular, as he secured an individual gold medal with an unbeaten 10/11 run, propelling him to a career-high world ranking of No. 3.

Erigaisi’s rise to prominence has been characterized by his aggressive, attacking style, which has often led to double-edged positions. However, his ability to calculate complex positions and his willingness to take risks have been key to his success. His experience against lower-rated players in open tournaments has also played a significant role in his development.

The 2800 club is a highly exclusive group, with only 14 players in history having achieved this milestone. Erigaisi’s entry into this elite circle is a testament to the growing strength of Indian chess. Fellow Indian and World Championship challenger D Gukesh is also on the verge of joining the 2800 club, further highlighting the depth of talent in the country.

Erigaisi’s achievement is not only a personal triumph but also a source of inspiration for aspiring chess players in India and around the world. His journey demonstrates that with hard work, dedication, and a willingness to take risks, anything is possible.

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Magnus Carlsen to Headline Tata Steel Chess India 2023

Magnus Carlsen to Headline Tata Steel Chess India 2023

By October 21, 2024 0

The sixth edition of Tata Steel Chess India, scheduled from November 13 to 17, will witness the return of World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen. The Norwegian Grandmaster, who previously triumphed in the 2019 edition, will headline the prestigious event.

India’s strong contingent, fresh from their golden performance at the Chess Olympiad in Budapest, will feature rising stars Arjun Erigaisi, R Praggnanandhaa, and Vidit Gujrathi. Nihal Sarin and S L Narayanan will also represent India in the ‘Open’ category.

Like previous editions, the tournament will comprise ‘Open’ and women’s categories with identical rapid and blitz formats and equal prize money. India’s women’s team will be represented by Koneru Humpy, R Vaishali, D. Harika, Divya Deshmukh, and Vantika Agrawal.

Chess legend Viswanathan Anand, the tournament’s ambassador, expressed his excitement: “I am looking forward to being back at Tata Steel Chess India. It has become the marquee event in India. This year brings the best of the world headed by Magnus Carlsen.”

Chanakya Chaudhary, vice-president of corporate services at Tata Steel, said: “We are excited to host the sixth edition of Tata Steel Chess India, which marks the return of world No. 1 Magnus Carlsen. Members of the Indian men’s and women’s squads, following their gold medal wins at the Chess Olympiad, will also join the tournament alongside top global players.”

The tournament lineup includes:

Open:
– Magnus Carlsen
– Nodirbek Abdusattorov
– Wesley So
– Vincent Keymer
– Daniil Dubov
– Arjun Erigaisi
– R Praggnanandhaa
– Vidit Gujrathi
– Nihal Sarin
– S L Narayanan

Women:
– Aleksandra Goryachkina
– Kateryna Lagno
– Alexandra Kosteniuk
– Nana Dzagnidze
– Valentina Gunina
– Koneru Humpy
– R. Vaishali
– D. Harika
– Divya Deshmukh
– Vantika Agrawal

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Praggnanandhaa Defeats Anand in Historic Chess Match

Praggnanandhaa Defeats Anand in Historic Chess Match

By October 16, 2024 0

In 2018, a 13-year-old Praggnanandhaa faced off against five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand in a historic Tata Steel Chess India blitz match. Six years later, they met again in the WR Masters quarter-finals in London, marking their first classical encounter.

Praggnanandhaa, now 19, has emerged as a formidable force in the chess world, becoming the second-youngest GM at the time of his triumph in Kolkata. Today, India boasts 85 GMs, a testament to the growth of the sport in the country.

In their recent match, both classical games ended in draws, setting the stage for an intense Armageddon tiebreaker. Praggnanandhaa, with 10 minutes on the clock, faced Anand’s Black pieces and the need for a win.

Praggnanandhaa employed the Scotch opening, surprising Anand with its early aggression. He quickly gained dominance, threatening a check with 22. Qc3 and looming with a possible Rh7 check. Anand, with limited counterplay, found himself out of ideas and resources.

After 26 moves, Anand extended his hand in resignation, acknowledging the victory of his young opponent. This defeat marked a symbolic triumph for Anand’s legacy, as the solo revolution he initiated has now blossomed into a formidable army of Indian chess players.

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India's Chess Olympiad Triumph: A Golden Moment for the Nation

India’s Chess Olympiad Triumph: A Golden Moment for the Nation

By September 30, 2024 0

Chess Olympiad Triumph: A Golden Moment for Indian Chess

The recent triumph of the Indian women’s and men’s chess teams at the 45th Chess Olympiad in Budapest, Hungary, has etched a historic milestone in the annals of Indian sports. The double gold medal victory marks a watershed moment for Indian chess, propelling it to unprecedented heights.

Tania Sachdev, a member of the victorious women’s team, expressed her profound joy and gratitude. “This victory is a dream come true,” she exclaimed. “It’s a moment I will cherish forever.” The team’s success has drawn parallels to the iconic 1983 Cricket World Cup victory, which transformed the landscape of Indian cricket. Sachdev believes that this double gold will have a similar transformative impact on Indian chess.

The teams’ reception by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi was a moment of immense pride and emotion. “To hear the PM talk about us on a global stage filled us with immense pride,” said Sachdev. “It felt like recognition of not just this achievement, but also of all the hard work Indian chess players have put in over the years.”

One of the most memorable moments of the Olympiad was the impromptu victory walk by the women’s team during the closing ceremony. Inspired by the celebratory walks of cricket captain Rohit Sharma and football legend Lionel Messi, the team decided to bring that energy into the chess world. “It wasn’t planned,” said Sachdev. “We thought, ‘Why not continue the tradition of celebrating wins, like we’ve seen in other sports?'”

The double gold victory has not only brought glory to India but has also inspired a new generation of chess enthusiasts. Sachdev believes that this triumph will encourage more young people to take up the game and strive for excellence. “This victory has shown that anything is possible if you have the determination and the support,” she said. “I hope it will inspire many more young Indians to pursue their dreams in chess.”

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Indian Chess Teams Rewarded with ₹3.2 Crore for Historic Olympiad Triumph

Indian Chess Teams Rewarded with ₹3.2 Crore for Historic Olympiad Triumph

By September 25, 2024 0

The All India Chess Federation (AICF) celebrated the historic triumph of the Indian teams at the 45th Chess Olympiad with a grand felicitation ceremony in New Delhi. The event witnessed the announcement of a staggering ₹3.2 crore in rewards for the gold medal-winning squads.

AICF President Nitin Narang unveiled the generous rewards, with each player from the victorious teams receiving ₹25 lakh. The captains of the men’s and women’s teams, Abhijeet Kunte and Srinath Narayanan, were honored with ₹15 lakh each. Grandmaster Dibyendu Barua, the head of the Indian delegation, received ₹10 lakh, while the assistant coaches were rewarded with ₹7.5 lakh.

“The hunger for gold ended in Hungary, but the desire for success continues,” declared Narang during the felicitation. “In the open section, we dominated, and in the women’s section, we owned it.”

AICF Secretary General Dev A Patel expressed optimism that the historic twin gold medals would ignite a chess revolution in India. “In 97 years of Chess Olympiad, we won gold in both categories. It’s a historic achievement,” Patel said. “This will give a new spark to chess enthusiasts. We will look to use this momentum to encourage the next generation of chess players.”

India’s triumph at the 45th Chess Olympiad in Budapest marked a watershed moment in Indian chess history. The men’s team, led by D Gukesh, Arjun Erigaisi, and R Praggnanandhaa, displayed unwavering dominance throughout the tournament, defeating Slovenia in the final round. Gukesh, the star performer, won 10 of 11 rounds, propelling India to the top with 21 out of a possible 22 points.

The women’s team, captained by D Harika, Tania Sachdev, and R Vaishali, secured their gold by defeating Azerbaijan in a tense final. Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally congratulated the champions, praising their dedication and impact on Indian sports.

The AICF’s generous rewards and the historic achievement of the Indian teams are expected to inspire a new generation of chess players in India, further solidifying the country’s position as a global chess powerhouse.

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