Follow the latest in Chess News, Reports & Features

Making his debut on the Grand Chess Tour (GCT) as a wild-card entry, Vidit Gujrathi has said that he feels no pressure being part of a strong field of opponents. The India No.3 is brimming with confidence after claiming silver with his Czech team Navy Bor in the European Club Cup in Montenegro.

The Tata Steel Chess India rapid and blitz event will see a three-fold increase in prize money in its second edition to be held at the iconic National Library in Kolkata from November 22. High-rated players such as Magnus Carlsen and Viswanathan Anand will fight it out for the knight-shaped trophy.

Mobina Alinasab, the leader in the girls’ section with 5.5 points, will face her biggest threats in the form of the host nation’s medal aspirants, led by R Vaishali. Meanwhile, Iranian top seed Amin Tabatabaei escaped being barred from taking further part in the World Junior Chess Championship.

Viswanathan Anand was held by Russia’s Kirill Alekseenko in the ninth round of FIDE Chess.com Grand Swiss tournament on Saturday, significantly denting his hopes of qualifying for the Candidates Tournament. Among the other Indians at the event, P Hari Krishna and Raunak Sadhwani registered wins.