Archive · 7 Jan 2026
Anand Leads Tata Steel Chess India Rapid
A big chess event called the Tata Steel Chess India Rapid and Blitz is happening in Kolkata from January 7 to 11, 2026.
A famous chess player, Viswanathan Anand, is coming back to play after six years.
He is excited to be back.
Many other top players, like Arjun Erigaisi, Nihal Sarin, Wesley So, and Hans Niemann, will also be playing.
In the first day of the tournament, Anand played really well.
He won against Wesley So by making a smart move.
He also drew with Wei Yi and won against Aravindh Chithambaram.
Anand is now in the lead with Hans Niemann.
Everyone is ready to play and show their best moves.
Viswanathan Anand returns to compete after a six-year absence, expressing excitement about his return.
The tournament features top Indian players like Arjun Erigaisi, Nihal Sarin, R. Praggnanandhaa, Vidit Gujrathi, and Aravindh Chithambaram.
International stars such as Wesley So, Wei Yi, and Hans Niemann will also participate.
The event takes place from January 7 to 11, 2026, at Kolkata’s Dhono Dhanyo Auditorium.
Anand dominated the opening day, defeating Wesley So, drawing with Wei Yi, and winning against Aravindh Chithambaram, placing him in the joint lead with Hans Niemann after three Rapid rounds.
- Who
- Viswanathan Anand, Wesley So, Wei Yi, Aravindh Chithambaram, Hans Niemann
- What
- 2026 Tata Steel Chess India Rapid & Blitz tournament
- When
- January 7 - 11, 2026
- Where
- Kolkata’s Dhono Dhanyo Auditorium
- Why
- To compete and showcase their chess skills
Viswanathan Anand
Wesley So, Wei Yi, Aravindh Chithambaram
Game Strategy
Viswanathan Anand
Anand employed the Caro-Kann defence and capitalized on opponents' mistakes with swift tactics.
Wesley So, Wei Yi, Aravindh Chithambaram
So and Wei Yi played solidly but made critical errors against Anand.
- Event
- 2026 Tata Steel Chess India Rapid & Blitz
- Location
- Kolkata’s Dhono Dhanyo Auditorium
- Dates
- January 7 - 11, 2026
- Legendary Return
- Viswanathan Anand
- Key Indian Participants
- R. Praggnanandhaa, Arjun Erigaisi, Nihal Sarin, Vidit Gujrathi, Aravindh Chithambaram
- Notable International Players
- Wesley So, Wei Yi, Hans Niemann
- Last Edition Winners
- Magnus Carlsen (Open), Aleksandra Goryachkina (Women's Rapid), Kateryna Lagno (Women's Blitz)
- Anand's Last Participation
- Six years ago
- Anand's Performance
- Joint lead after three Rapid rounds
- Anand's Victories
- Defeated Wesley So, drew with Wei Yi, defeated Aravindh Chithambaram
Sources
Tata Steel Chess India Rapid and Blitz: Viswanathan Anand comes back, Praggnanandhaa stays in present, Niemann wants his past to be forgotten
D Gukesh, Magnus Carlsen Absent As Tata Steel Chess Set To Begin
Viswanathan Anand Returns to Action at Tata Steel Chess India After 6 Years
How one man changed India’s mindset & made thinking a sport
Tata Steel Chess 2026: Viswanathan Anand returns after six years; Arjun, Pragg to lead Open as Gukesh and Carlsen sit out
Viswanathan Anand returns to action after 6 years at Tata Steel chess tournament in Kolkata
Tata Steel Chess: Anand ends Day 1 as joint leader
