Subhayan Chakraborty in Kolkata
The draws for the sixth edition of the Tata Steel Chess India Rapid & Blitz were revealed in Kolkata on Tuesday. The spotlight is on Magnus Carlsen, the former chess world champion, who is set to challenge Indian teenage sensation R Praggnanandhaa in both Rapid and Blitz sections. Carlsen, a five-time world champion, returns to the tournament after his triumph in 2019.
Scheduled from November 13 to 17 at the Dhono Dhanyo Auditorium in Alipore, Kolkata, the event boasts a prize pot of USD 41,500, equal for men and women. It maintains its tradition with Open and Women’s categories, each competing in Rapid and Blitz formats.
Following their success at the 2024 Budapest Chess Olympiad, the Indian chess team is geared up for this prestigious tournament. In the Open section, SL Narayanan will face Germany’s Vincent Keymer, and Vidit Gujrathi will take on the USA’s Wesley So. There’s also an anticipated duel between Arjun Erigaisi and Nihal Sarin.
On the Women’s side, India’s Harika Dronavalli will duel with England’s Nana Dzagnidze, while Vantika Agrawal will play Russia’s Valentina Gunina. Koneru Humpy is matched against Russia’s Kateryna Lagno.
A notable moment during the event was the involvement of three-year-old chess prodigy Anish Sarkar from Kolkata, who drew the lots, setting up the game between Carlsen and Praggnanandhaa, much to the delight of those present.
“It’s a great tournament. I remember Praggnanandhaa making his debut as a replacement in the first year,” Vidit told RevSportz. “Now, see where he is. Such tournaments will also highlight the kind of talent we have in this country. I am keen to see how I perform in this edition. Of course, wherever Magnus Carlsen plays, he is the biggest highlight.”
Last year’s champions were Maxime Vachier Lagrave for the Rapid, and Alexander Grishchuk for the Blitz in the men’s category, with Divya Deshmukh and Ju Wenjun taking the titles in the women’s Rapid and Blitz respectively.
Praggnanandhaa, when asked about Carlsen’s playing strategy, highlighted his admiration. “His determination to win, even when the game seems headed for a draw, is what I find inspiring,” he remarked. “He pushes on in situations where many would settle for a draw, and that’s something I truly appreciate.”