Archive · 18 Jan 2026
Tata Steel Masters: Erigaisi Wins, Gukesh Draws
The Tata Steel Masters chess tournament started with some exciting matches.
Arjun Erigaisi won against his friend R Praggnanandhaa in just 32 moves.
D Gukesh had a tough game against Javokhir Sindarov but ended in a draw after 78 moves.
Hans Niemann also won his game quickly.
The tournament had a delayed start because of a protest, but once it began, it was full of action.
Other Indian players like Aravindh Chithambaram also played, with some games ending in draws.
It was a great start to the tournament with many interesting games.
Arjun Erigaisi defeated R Praggnanandhaa in 32 moves in the first round of the Tata Steel Masters.
D Gukesh played a hard-fought draw against Javokhir Sindarov, lasting 78 moves.
Hans Niemann won his game against Vladimir Fedoseev after Fedoseev made an optical blunder.
Vincent Keymer also secured a victory against Anish Giri.
The tournament started late due to a protest by environmental activists but featured exciting matches.
- Who
- Arjun Erigaisi, R Praggnanandhaa, D Gukesh, Javokhir Sindarov, Hans Niemann, Vincent Keymer, Anish Giri, Aravindh Chithambaram, Matthias Bluebaum, Yagiz Kaan Erdogmus, Nodirbek Yakubboev, Jorden van Foreest, Thai Dai Van Nguyen, Nodirbek Abdusattorov
- What
- First round of the Tata Steel Masters chess tournament
- When
- Recent, after a delayed start
- Where
- Wijk Aan Zee, The Netherlands
- Why
- To compete in the prestigious chess tournament
- Event
- Tata Steel Masters
- Location
- Wijk Aan Zee, The Netherlands
- Top Performers
- Arjun Erigaisi, Vincent Keymer, Hans Niemann
- Notable Draws
- D Gukesh, Aravindh Chithambaram
- Game Length
- 32-78 moves
- Delayed Start
- Environmental activists' protest
- Key Players
- Arjun Erigaisi, R Praggnanandhaa, D Gukesh, Javokhir Sindarov, Hans Niemann, Vincent Keymer, Anish Giri, Aravindh Chithambaram, Matthias Bluebaum, Yagiz Kaan Erdogmus, Nodirbek Yakubboev, Jorden van Foreest, Thai Dai Van Nguyen, Nodirbek Abdusattorov
