Nihal Sarin Triumphs at TATA Steel Rapid Chess Tournament in Kolkata

Nihal Sarin's Remarkable Victory

Indian chess prodigy Nihal Sarin clinched the title at the TATA Steel Rapid chess tournament in Kolkata on Friday, successfully fending off the legendary Vishwanathan Anand during the final rounds. Sarin stepped in as a last-minute substitute for world champion D Gukesh, who withdrew from the event, transforming from an unexpected participant to the tournament champion, marking a stellar start to his 2026.

Tournament Journey

Initially, Sarin faced a challenging start, accumulating only 1.5 points from three games on the first day. However, he rebounded impressively over the next six rounds, amassing five points through four victories and two draws against R Praggnanandhaa and Anand, as reported by ESPN. This victory is significant for Sarin, who recently achieved a 2,700 rating in classical chess, positioning him alongside contemporaries like Gukesh, Praggnanandhaa, and Arjun Erigaisi.

A Heartfelt Dedication

The day was particularly emotional for Sarin, as he not only secured the championship but also dedicated his win to his maternal grandfather, who introduced him to chess and passed away just a day before his victory. "He was the one who taught me chess, showing me how the pieces move. He is the reason I started playing chess," Sarin shared during a live stream on chess.com, as quoted by ESPN. "When I was five, I was quite restless, and my grandfather introduced me to chess to help me calm down. He loved the game, so I dedicate this title to him."

Claiming the Championship

On Day 2, Sarin achieved victories against Hans Niemann, Volodar Murzin, and Vidit Gujrathi. By the final day, he was tied for the lead with Vishwanathan Anand. A draw against Praggnanandhaa and a decisive win over Wesley So secured him the championship.

Rising Star in Chess

This victory marks a significant milestone for Nihal Sarin, who has been rapidly ascending in the chess world. Just last month, he won the President's Cup in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, and reached the 2,700 rating threshold, placing him among the top five Indian players, surpassing Vidit Gujrathi. In December, he showcased strong performances at the FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Championships in Doha, narrowly missing a knockout spot in the blitz section.