What Happened at Chennai Grand Masters 2025? Nihal Sarin Upsets Arjun Erigaisi, Vincent Keymer Extends Lead on Day 4
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Synopsis
In a thrilling fourth round of the Chennai Grand Masters 2025, Nihal Sarin ends Arjun Erigaisi's unbeaten streak while Vincent Keymer maintains his lead. With strategic battles and significant victories, the tournament continues to unveil unexpected twists and showcases India's elite chess talent.
Key Takeaways
- Nihal Sarin claims his first win in 2025, defeating Arjun Erigaisi.
- Vincent Keymer extends his undefeated streak to four games.
- The tournament features a ₹1 crore prize pool, with significant rewards for winners.
- Vishwanathan Anand provided commentary, enhancing the viewing experience.
- The competition remains intense as players vie for FIDE Circuit points.
Chennai, Aug 10 (NationPress) Nihal Sarin celebrated his inaugural triumph at the Chennai Grand Masters 2025 by overcoming fellow Indian Arjun Erigaisi in Round 4 on Sunday, effectively ending Arjun's unbeaten streak. Meanwhile, German Grandmaster Vincent Keymer maintained his own undefeated record through a draw with Dutch chess sensation Anish Giri, preserving a one-point advantage at the top of the leaderboard.
In its third iteration, the Chennai Grand Masters 2025 stands out as India's premier classical chess tournament. Hosted by MGD1, it comprises two competitive 10-player round-robin sections—Masters and Challengers—spanning nine rounds over ten days. With a staggering ₹1 crore prize pool, the winner of the Masters section takes home ₹25 lakh, while the Challengers champion receives ₹7 lakh and a prestigious berth in the 2026 Masters. Additionally, the event awards FIDE Circuit points, with the Masters champion clinching 24.5 points towards the 2026 Candidates qualification.
Nihal's victory against Arjun unfolded after a tense, strategic showdown that initiated with the Reti Opening, where Arjun mirrored his opponent's setup. With chess legend Vishwanathan Anand providing commentary for fans, the game progressed at a calculated pace, resulting in Arjun securing the first piece on move 15.
A fiercely contested middlegame eventually opened up, allowing Nihal to capitalize on his advantage and secure the win on move 70, marking his first victory in this year's edition. In other results, GM Murali Karthikeyan also shone by defeating Jorden van Foreest, improving his standing.
In additional Masters results, GM Vidit Gujrathi and GM Pranav V shared the points after a well-balanced match, while the all-American clash between GM Awonder Liang and GM Ray Robson ended in a draw. Keymer’s draw with Giri ensured he remained in the lead, while Nihal’s victory over Arjun added new excitement to the title chase.
In the Challengers segment, GM Abhimanyu Puranik emerged as the sole leader after besting WGM Vaishali Rameshbabu with the white pieces, taking advantage of joint leader M Pranesh’s draw against GM Adhiban Baskaran. Meanwhile, GM Diptayan Ghosh triumphed over Harshavardhan GB, and GM Leon Luke Mendonca kept pace by defeating GM Harika Dronavalli, both now tied with Pranesh at three points. GM P Iniyan overcame GM Aryan Chopra to reach 2.5 points.
Point of View
I observe the Chennai Grand Masters 2025 not only as a chess tournament but as a display of India’s rich talent in the sport. The competition remains fierce, and the unexpected outcomes keep audiences on the edge of their seats. Nihal Sarin's recent victory over Arjun Erigaisi adds an exciting chapter to this ongoing narrative.
NationPress
19/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the match between Nihal Sarin and Arjun Erigaisi?
Nihal Sarin won the match against Arjun Erigaisi, ending Arjun's unbeaten streak.
What is the prize pool for the Chennai Grand Masters 2025?
The Chennai Grand Masters 2025 features a prize pool of ₹1 crore.
Who is leading the tournament?
Vincent Keymer currently holds the lead after drawing with Anish Giri.
How many rounds are there in the tournament?
The tournament consists of nine rounds.
What are FIDE Circuit points?
FIDE Circuit points are awarded to players based on their performance in FIDE-sanctioned events, contributing to their qualification for future tournaments.
