Young Prodigy Topples Chess Legend in Tense Final
In a stunning display of nerve and skill, India's young Grandmaster Arjun Erigaisi defeated the legendary Viswanathan Anand, a five-time world champion, to win the prestigious Jerusalem Masters chess tournament. The 22-year-old clinched the title in a nail-biting blitz tie-break after their initial rapid games ended in draws, securing the championship with a final score of 2.5-1.5.
A Hard-Fought Victory and a Major Payday
The victory was far from straightforward for Erigaisi, who admitted to facing significant challenges throughout the event. "It wasn't easy. There were a lot of challenges. My quality wasn't the best. I'm just glad I managed to make it through," he told the organizers after his monumental win. His triumph earned him a top prize of USD 55,000, while the runner-up, Anand, received USD 35,000.
Reflecting on the final day, Erigaisi described the intense pressure. "Today, both the matches were very tense. In the first game against Anand sir we both missed our chances. But in blitz, I think I played quite well," he added. He also revealed his anxiety during the first game, where he lost control despite having the advantageous white pieces. "During the game, I was very worried. I knew I was winning and I knew I messed it. So, I was definitely worried. But okay, all I had to do was to fight back and that is what I was trying to do," Erigaisi said.
Road to the Championship Title
Erigaisi's path to the final was equally impressive. He secured his spot by defeating the formidable Russian Grandmaster Peter Svidler in the semifinals. On the other side of the bracket, Anand overcame a tough challenge from the reigning World Blitz champion, Ian Nepomniachtchi.
In the playoff for third place, Svidler managed to defeat his compatriot Nepomniachtchi with an identical 2.5-1.5 scoreline.
The Jerusalem Masters is a high-profile invitational event with a unique structure:
- It features 12 elite players competing in a round-robin format.
- The top four finishers from the round-robin stage advance to the knockout playoffs.
- This format ensures only the most consistent performers contend for the title.
This victory marks a significant milestone in Arjun Erigaisi's burgeoning career, signaling his arrival at the very top of the chess world by defeating one of India's greatest sporting icons. The win is a powerful testament to the depth of chess talent emerging from India.
