D Gukesh Triumphs in Tata Steel Chess Tournament 2025
An Impressive Start for the World Champion
In a thrilling opening round of the Tata Steel Chess Tournament 2025, newly crowned World Chess Champion D Gukesh showcased his exceptional skills by defeating local favorite Anish Giri. Despite facing an early advantage from Giri, who played with the black pieces, Gukesh’s strategic prowess shone through.
Arriving in Wijk aan Zee, Netherlands, just hours before the tournament commenced—after receiving accolades in India including a substantial Rs 1 crore prize from the All India Chess Federation (AICF) and the prestigious Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award from President Droupadi Murmu—Gukesh appeared unfazed. This marked his return to competitive play after a month-long hiatus following his victory over Ding Liren in Singapore at just 18 years old.
The Match Unfolds
Giri began strongly with clever maneuvers that initially put him ahead. However, everything changed on move 15 when he made a critical error by playing Qb6. This blunder allowed Gukesh to position his queen on f6 effectively. When Giri captured it with his own queen, he inadvertently set himself up for defeat as Gukesh swiftly retaliated by taking down Anish’s queen with a pawn.
As the game progressed, further missteps led to Anish’s resignation—a handshake signaling his defeat against India’s rising star. This victory not only gave Gukesh an early lead but also reaffirmed his status as a formidable world champion.
Challenges for Fellow Competitors
While D Gukesh celebrated success in Round 1, it was not as fortunate for fellow Indian player Leon Luke Mendonca. After starting strong against Vincent Keymer, Mendonca faltered after making Rc1 on move 31—a decision that granted Keymer significant leverage and ultimately led to Mendonca’s resignation.
The match between Pentala Harikrishna and Arjun Erigaisi turned into an epic battle spanning 63 moves; however, Harikrishna capitalized on advantageous positions to secure victory over Erigaisi. Meanwhile, R Praggnanandhaa managed to salvage a draw against Nodirbek Abdusattorov after struggling throughout their encounter.
World No. 2 Fabiano Caruana also ended up drawing against Wei Yi of China—the reigning champion defending his title this year at what is often referred to as chess’s ”Wimbledon.”
Challengers Section Highlights
In the Challengers section of this prestigious tournament, Rameshbabu Vaishali made headlines by securing an impressive win over young Argentine talent Faustino Oro within mere moments of playtime. Conversely, Divya Deshmukh faced challenges and ultimately succumbed to Nodirbek Yakubboev after an extended struggle.
Tata Steel Chess Tournament: Round One Results
- Masters Standings:
– D Gukesh (1)
– Vincent Keymer (1)
– Pentala Harikrishna (1)
– Fabiano Caruana (0.5)
– Nodirbek Abdusattorov (0.5)
– Wei Yi (0.5)
– R Praggnanandhaa (0.5)
– Others: Fedoseev (0.5), Van Foreest (0), Sarana (0), Warmerdam(0), Erigaisi(0), Anish Giri(0), Leon Luke Mendonca(0)
- Challengers Standings:
– Nguyen Thi Mai Hung(1),
– Yakubboev(1),
– Gurayl(1),
– Vaishali Rameshbabu(1),
- Lu Shanglei(1),
– Svane(0 .5),
– Suleymanli(.05)
– L’Ami(.05)
– Bok(.05)
– Nogerbek(.00)
– Deshmukh (.00)
– Pijpers (.00)
– Oro (.00)
As excitement builds around this year’s tournament—widely regarded as one of chess’s most significant events—the performances displayed thus far hint at fierce competition ahead among some of the world’s best players.