The Tata Steel Chess India Rapid and Blitz, which begins at the Dhono Dhanyo Auditorium on Wednesday, will see the return of Viswanathan Anand as a competitor after an absence of six years. The rapid event will be on the first three days, and blitz on Saturday and Sunday. ADVERTISEMENTAsked how it feels to be back, Anand said on Tuesday: “Well… it was exhausting not playing. All three are set to represent India at the upcoming Candidates tournament (open and women) in Cyprus, along with Koneru Humpy. After an impeccable start to 2025, boosting his Candidates qualification bid through the Fide Circuit, Praggnanandhaa’s momentum somewhat slowed slightly towards the year-end.

Source: The Telegraph January 07, 2026 05:51 UTC