The last three days have been a roller-coaster ride for Nihal Sarin. India’s grandmaster was a last-minute inclusion to the Tata Steel Chess India after world champion Dommaraju Gukesh pulled out. I dedicate this win to my grandfather,” Sarin told a news conference. Arjun Erigaisi, a double bronze medallist in the World Rapid and Blitz Championship in Doha last month, finished third with five points. The 21-year-old Sarin came to the tournament when nobody expected him to be the winner.

Source: The Telegraph January 10, 2026 06:22 UTC