In a stunning turn of events at the Tata Steel Chess India 2025, Nihal Sarin, a last-minute replacement for world classical chess champion Gukesh Dommaraju, clinched the Open Rapid title, surpassing expectations and defeating chess legend Viswanathan Anand. The tournament, held in Kolkata, witnessed a thrilling performance from the young grandmaster, who seized the opportunity to showcase his talent on the big stage.
Nihal's victory wasn't just a personal triumph but also a captivating narrative of seizing an unexpected chance. Originally not among the initial list of ten candidates, he was included in the tournament after Gukesh's withdrawal. This unexpected entry served as a catalyst for Nihal, who demonstrated exceptional skill and determination throughout the rapid event.
The tournament saw a compelling mix of seasoned veterans and emerging stars. Viswanathan Anand, a five-time world champion, displayed remarkable form, sharing the lead with Nihal Sarin after the second day. Anand's return to competitive chess in India after a six-year gap added to the event's excitement. After the fourth round loss, Anand made a comeback by winning the next two games.
Nihal's path to victory included a remarkable comeback on the second day, where he secured three consecutive wins against strong opponents like Hans Niemann, Volodar Murzin, and Vidit Gujrathi. This impressive run propelled him to the top of the leaderboard, drawing him level with Anand and setting the stage for a thrilling final day.
The final standings saw Nihal Sarin emerge as the champion, followed by Viswanathan Anand in second place. Wesley So secured third position, while other notable players like Arjun Erigaisi and Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu also put up a strong fight. Kateryna Lagno won the Women's section.
The Tata Steel Chess India tournament is held in Kolkata annually, with both rapid and blitz formats. The event attracts both established and emerging chess players. In 2026, the tournament was held at the Dhono Dhanyo Auditorium in Kolkata.
