A last-minute call-up turned into a title-winning run for Nihal Sarin at the Tata Steel Chess India Rapid and Blitz 2026, with the 21-year-old clinching the Open Rapid crown ahead of Viswanathan Anand and Arjun Erigaisi. ADVERTISEMENTThe Open title for the Rapid tournament was confirmed in the final round after Nihal drew his game against Anand. In the Women’s Rapid, Lagno set the pace from the middle rounds and never relinquished control. Her victory was sealed before the final round, where she drew against Divya Deshmukh to finish on 6.5 points. Nihal Sarin topped the Open with 6.5 points, followed by Viswanathan Anand on six and Arjun Erigaisi on five.

Source: The Telegraph January 09, 2026 19:04 UTC