Paris Freestyle Chess Grand Slam: Arjun Erigaisi shines as Lone Indian in Knockouts
Gukesh, Prags had outings to forget
The second day of the Paris Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Tour 2025 concluded with high drama, heartbreak, and standout performances at the Palais Brongniart. While Magnus Carlsen and Ian Nepomniachtchi dominated the round-robin stage, the Indian contingent faced mixed fortunes, with Arjun Erigaisi emerging as the sole Indian to qualify for the knockout rounds.
Arjun Erigaisi, ranked World No. 4, showcased exceptional resilience and skill to secure his spot in the quarterfinals. He finished the round-robin stage with 6.5 points from 11 games, placing fourth overall. His crucial victory over compatriot Vidit Gujrathi in the final round sealed his qualification. Erigaisi's performance was marked by his ability to adapt to the freestyle format, which features randomised starting positions. His aggressive playstyle and tactical acumen were on full display, earning him praise from chess enthusiasts and experts alike.
The reigning World Champion had a tournament to forget, finishing 11th with just 3.5 points. Gukesh struggled to find his rhythm, losing key matches, including a decisive game against Ian Nepomniachtchi in the final round. His early exit was a significant blow to Indian hopes. R Praggnanandhaa showed flashes of brilliance, including a stunning victory over Nodirbek Abdusattorov. However, inconsistency plagued his campaign, and he ended the round-robin stage with 4 points, falling short of the top eight.
Vidit, who joined the tournament shortly after his wedding, had a challenging outing. He managed only 2 points, finishing at the bottom of the standings. Time management issues and unforced errors proved costly for the experienced Grandmaster.
Carlsen, the former World Champion was in imperious form, finishing with 8.5 points. His creative play and ability to turn difficult positions into victories reaffirmed his status as one of the greatest players of all time. Nepomniachtchi matched Carlsen's tally of 8.5 points, delivering back-to-back wins in the final rounds to share the top spot in the standings. Nodirbek Abdusattorov, the Uzbek prodigy, a last-minute replacement for Hans Niemann, impressed with his aggressive style, finishing fifth with 6 points.
The quarterfinals, scheduled for April 9 and 10, will follow a single-elimination format. Each match will consist of two classical games, with players alternating colours. Arjun Erigaisi faces a tough challenge as he aims to keep the Indian flag flying in the knockout stage.
