American Grandmaster Wesley So delivered a display of calm precision to win the Open title at the Tata Steel Chess India Blitz tournament on Sunday, clinching the crown with a round to spare.
So topped the standings with 12 points, finishing ahead of India’s Nihal Sarin, who secured second place with 11 points. Indian Grandmaster Arjun Erigaisi also ended on 11 points but was placed third on tiebreaks.
The American strengthened his position in the closing rounds after capitalising on a costly blunder by Vidit Gujrathi, who dropped a rook in a double-rook endgame. So then held Wei Yi in a crucial encounter to maintain control at the top of the table.
Sarin stayed in contention with a significant win over former world champion Viswanathan Anand, while Erigaisi registered a notable victory by preventing Anand from castling. Anand eventually finished eighth with eight points, while Wei Yi defeated the Indian legend in another key clash.
Also read: Arjun Erigaisi beats Anand again, takes second in Blitz
Despite losing his final-round game, So ensured the title with a safe draw against Hans Niemann in the penultimate round, which put the championship beyond reach.
The Women’s Blitz section delivered equal drama, culminating in a playoff. American International Master Carissa Yip emerged champion after holding her nerve in a tense tiebreak, while India’s Vantika Agarwal finished runner-up.
Vantika staged an impressive late surge, winning her last four games, including a crucial victory over Yip, to force the playoff. However, Yip secured the draw she needed in the deciding game to lift the Women’s Blitz title.
The tournament concluded with thrilling finishes in both sections, underlining the growing depth and intensity of top-level blitz chess.
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