Teimour Radjabov finishes second followed jointly by Vidit Gujrathi and Alexander Grischuk, R Praggnanandhaa was the best Indian performer finishing third

Ambar Bhattacharya, Takmaa News, Kolkata, 8th Sept 2023 : Maxime Vachier – Lagrave of France maintaining his dominancy throughout the rapid section of Open tournament of Tata Steel Chess India 2023 clinched the Rapid title on his maiden visit to India. He finished with 7 points. He was followed by Teimour Radjabov of Azerbaijan with 5.5 points. Three GM’s were tied in the 3^rd position with 5 points.

RAPID FINAL STANDINGS

GM Maxime Vachier Lagrave – 7 points

GM Teimour Radjabov – 5.5 points

They are followed by R Praggnanandhaa; Vidit Gujrathi and Alexander Grischuk with 5 points.

Round 7

GM Maxime Vachier-Lagrave continued to march forward with a win over GM Arjun Erigaisi. R Praggnanandhaa won a quality game against GM Vidit Gujrathi. The youngster responded well to Gujrathi’s initial attack, securing a pleasant position in the middlegame. In a fairly equal endgame, Pragg capitalized on the chance to attack the king, delivering checkmate on move 38. GM D Gukesh drew his game against GM Teimour Radjabov. In other games, GM Alexander Grischuk won against GM Vincent Keymar, while GM Nodirbek Abdusattorov got the better of GM Harikrishna Pentala.

Round 8

Tournament leader, Maxime Vachier-Lagrave extended his lead over other players with yet another win, this time over GM Harikrishna Pentala. An incredible performance ensured that MVL won the rapid section, with a round to spare.

In the most awaited contest of the tournament, GM D Gukesh took on GM R Praggnanandhaa. Indian No. 1, Gukesh earned the bragging rights as he overcame the World Cup runner up in a sharp game. Gukesh’s queen side pawns proved too strong as they marched down the board much quicker than Praggnanandhaa’s central pawn. After winning a rook, Gukesh secured the victory on move 45.

GM Vidit Gujrathi came back strong with a victory over GM Vincent Keymar. GM Arjun Erigaisi drew against GM Teimour Radjabov, while GM Alexander Grischuk split the point against GM Nodirbek Abdusattorov.

Round 9

With Maxime Vachier-Lagrave already securing the first place, as many as 6 players were in contention for a podium finish. R Praggnanandhaa secured a comfortable advantage over reigning rapid champion, Arjun Erigaisi, after winning material on move 20 by tactical means. From there on, the World Cup runner up went on to win the game on move 39.

GM Vidit Gujrathi scored a crucial win with the black pieces over GM Nodirbek Abdusattorov. GM D Gukesh’s chances for a top-3 finish disappeared after suffering a loss against GM Vincent Keymar. GM Teimour Radjabov made a quick 6-move draw with GM Maxime Vachier-Lagrave securing second place. GM Harikrishna Pentala also split the point with GM Grischuk in 17 moves.