Indian chess grandmaster Arjun Erigaisi has secured a significant victory at the Jerusalem Masters, showcasing remarkable resilience just weeks after a disappointing exit from the FIDE World Cup. The 22-year-old prodigy clinched the title by defeating the legendary five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand in a thrilling final that went down to the blitz games.
Road to the Jerusalem Masters Final
The path to the championship clash was paved with high-stakes matches. In the semi-finals, Arjun Erigaisi overcame the experienced Russian grandmaster Peter Svidler. On the other side of the draw, Viswanathan Anand, demonstrating his enduring class, secured his spot in the final by taking down two-time World Championship contender Ian Nepomniachtchi.
Both finalists had earned their semi-final berths by finishing in the top four of a competitive 12-player round-robin preliminary stage. Svidler led the initial phase with a score of 8 out of 11, while both Anand and Arjun tied for second place with 7.5 points each, alongside Nepomniachtchi.
A Tense Final Decided in Blitz
The final between the seasoned champion and the rising star was a nail-biter. The two rapid games ended in draws, forcing the match into a decisive two-game blitz showdown. Here, Arjun's composure under pressure shone through. He won the first blitz game and then accepted a draw in the second, sealing the championship.
Reflecting on his hard-fought victory, Arjun admitted to the organisers, "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. Today, both the matches were very tense." He added, "In the first game we both missed our chances. But in blitz, I think I played quite well."
Redemption After World Cup Setback
This triumph serves as a powerful consolation for Arjun Erigaisi, who hails from Warangal. His campaign at the FIDE World Cup in Goa ended in heartbreak when he was defeated in the quarter-finals by China's Wei Yi. This marked the second consecutive time Arjun has fallen at the World Cup quarter-final stage, having lost to his friend R Praggnanandhaa in 2023.
More crucially, these losses have meant missing out on qualifying for the prestigious Candidates tournament for two World Championship cycles in a row, a major ambition for the young grandmaster. The Jerusalem Masters win, accompanied by a prize purse of $55,000 (approximately Rs 50 lakh), is a timely boost to his confidence and career.
The tournament also highlighted Viswanathan Anand's enduring prowess. The semi-retired legend's victory over a top-tier player like Nepomniachtchi is a clear signal that he remains a formidable force on the chess board, not far removed from his legendary heydays.
