Five-time World Chess Champion Viswanathan Anand showcased his brilliance at the FIDE World Rapid & Blitz Team Championships, securing a 31-move victory over India’s No. 1 player, Arjun Erigaisi. Despite the win, Anand was spellbound by Erigaisi’s ability to generate tactics out of thin air, praising his creative and unpredictable style.
Anand’s Insights on Erigaisi’s Play
- Anand admitted the match was chaotic, stating, “There were moments where I wasn’t sure what was going on. Somehow, he just generates tactics out of thin air.”
- He highlighted a key moment when Erigaisi played bishop to d3, forcing Anand to spend extra time calculating his response before executing queen g4.
- Erigaisi arrived three minutes late for the match but apologized, with Anand confirming it did not affect his focus.
India’s Chess Landscape & Erigaisi’s Rise
Anand acknowledged that Erigaisi and Gukesh are currently India’s top players, emphasizing the extra pressure of competing against fellow countrymen. Despite the loss, Erigaisi’s team, MGD1, went on to win the championship, proving his dominance in the tournament.
Future Outlook for Indian Chess
With young talents like Erigaisi and Gukesh rising, India’s chess scene is stronger than ever, setting the stage for exciting global competitions ahead.
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