The Indian youth brigade has started the new year with as much flair as was seen from them in 2024. After winning almost every big prize on offer last year, they have raised hopes of another triumph in the Tata Steel chess tournament in the Netherlands. It’s an elite event known as the ‘Wimbledon of chess’ and the only Indian to have won it is Viswanathan Anand.
Anand’s protégés have taken Wijk Aan Zee by storm. With one round to play, D Gukesh and R Praggnanandhaa are the joint leaders with 8.5 point each. Uzbekistan’s Nodirbek Abdusattorov is a full point behind and chances of either Gukesh or Pragg winning the title are high. For that not to happen, both have to lose in the 13th round, the Uzbek has to win and then see what happens on tie-break score. Anything can happen, but it will be a shock if the title slips away from the Indians.
For this turn of events, Indian chess fans will have to thank Arjun Erigaisi. Winless after 11 rounds and languishing at the bottom of the table, he inflicted a defeat on Abdusattorov in the 12th round to boost the chances of his compatriots. Abdusattorov had been the in-form player in the competition and joint-second before the penultimate round. Arjun outclassed him after a series of indifferent games to smoothen the passage for his Chess Olympiad teammates.
Making the last round fascinating is the clash between Gukesh and Arjun, where the former will have the white pieces. Until a day ago, it could have been said that the world champion is the clear favourite against the player not in form. However, after Arjun’s stunning win over Abdusattorov, it can’t be said that he is the underdog. It’s a 50:50 game under the circumstances.
Pragg has come back strongly after a topsy-turvy 2024, when he excelled as well as experienced some unexpected lows. In Wijk Aan Zee, he has started with fresh vigour and posted six wins and five draws, with a solitary setback against Anish Giri in the ninth round. He faces Germany’s Vincent Keymer, who is placed ninth in the 14-player field with five points.
Playing a part in determining the destination of the crown will be another Indian. Pentala Harikrishna is the veteran of the pack. He is eighth with six points. His opponent in the last round is Abdusattorov. If Harikrishna manages a draw, chances of either Gukesh or Pragg winning the title will increase. Harikrishna will play with black pieces.
It was going to be a testing year for the Indians after the highs of 2024. It was time for them to protect the reputation they had built. The Tata Steel event is big, featuring five of the world’s top 10 players. Performance here carries greater significance than many other tournaments. One step away from winning it, Gukesh and Pragg have ensured that the reputation has not been damaged.
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