Arjun Erigaisi won the Blitz title on the final day of the Tata Steel Chess India, finishing ahead of Hikaru Nakaumura. After clinching the issue in the penultimate round with a magnificent comeback, the Indian teenager finished with 12.5 points, one ahead of the American wizard.
Arjun began the game by playing 1. d4. Arjun was blitzing out moves from his deep opening preparation while Hikaru played the Nimzo Indian.
The position appeared to be firmly in Hikaru’s control around move 30, and he brought his knight into the attack, but it turned out to be an incorrect move, allowing Erigaisi to crawl back. He threatened Hikaru’s bishop with a double attack on the final move, and it was all over for the American. Erigaisi won his final game with a one-point victory over fellow youngster Nihal Sarin.
Blitz women’s title with a strong performance
R Vaishali won the Blitz women’s title with a strong performance on the final day. She finished with 13.5 points, followed by Mariya Muzychuk (12 points) and Harika Dronavalli (11). After clinching the issue in the penultimate round with a magnificent comeback, the Indian teenager finished with 12.5 points, one ahead of the American wizard.
Arjun began the game by playing 1. d4. Arjun was blitzing out moves from his deep opening preparation while Hikaru played the Nimzo Indian.
Around move 30, the position looked firmly in Hikaru’s control and he brought his knight into the attack, but it turned out to be an inaccurate move allowing Erigaisi to crawl back.
On the final move, he threatened to win Hikaru’s bishop with a double attack and soon it was all over for the American.
Erigaisi drew his final game with fellow youngster Nihal Sarin and finished on top with a one-point margin.
Displaying a strong performance on the last day, R Vaishali emerged as the Blitz women’s champion. She ended with 13.5 points followed by Mariya Muzychuk with 12 points and Harika Dronavalli with 11 points.
