8 months ago
Nihal Sarin Wins Tata Steel Rapid
Nihal Sarin won the Tata Steel Chess India Rapid tournament.
He was very sad because his grandfather, who taught him chess, had just passed away.
But he played really well and won the tournament in his grandfather's memory.
Viswanathan Anand came in second, and Kateryna Lagno won the women's section.
Nihal had to play against Anand in the final round and settled for a draw to secure his victory.
It was a very emotional and exciting tournament.
Nihal Sarin won the Tata Steel Chess India Rapid title with 6.5 points, dedicating his victory to his late grandfather.
Viswanathan Anand finished second with 6 points after settling for a draw against Nihal Sarin in the final round.
Kateryna Lagno won the women's section with 6.5 points, finishing 1.5 points ahead of Aleksandra Goryachkina.
Nihal Sarin overcame emotional distress to perform exceptionally well, winning three consecutive games on the second day.
In the women's event, Divya Deshmukh secured the bronze medal with 4.5 points, thanks to the best tie-breaks.
- Who
- Nihal Sarin, Viswanathan Anand, Kateryna Lagno
- What
- Nihal Sarin won the Tata Steel Chess India Rapid title, with Anand finishing second and Lagno winning the women's section
- Where
- Kolkata, India
- When
- After nine rounds on Friday, January 9, 2026
- Why
- Nihal Sarin dedicated his victory to his grandfather, who passed away the previous day, and performed exceptionally well under emotional distress
Key facts
- Event
- Tata Steel Chess India Rapid and Blitz
- Location
- Kolkata, India
- Winner (Open)
- Nihal Sarin
- Points (Open Winner)
- 6.5
- Runner-up (Open)
- Viswanathan Anand
- Points (Open Runner-up)
- 6
- Third Place (Open)
- Arjun Erigaisi
- Points (Open Third)
- 5
- Winner (Women's)
- Kateryna Lagno
- Points (Women's Winner)
- 6.5
- Runner-up (Women's)
- Aleksandra Goryachkina
- Points (Women's Runner-up)
- 5
- Third Place (Women's)
- Divya Deshmukh
- Points (Women's Third)
- 4.5
Timeline
Anand defeats Erigaisi, boosts confidence.
Kasparov praises Anand's growth, setting stage for India Rapid.
Anand storms day one, leads after six rounds.
Anand, Sarin tied at 4.5 points.
Quotes
Nihal Sarin
Chess player and winner of the Open section
“I dedicated my tournament victory to my maternal grandfather who taught me chess. His passing yesterday was a significant loss.”
thequint.com
Sources
Anand and Nihal share lead as Lagno shines in Tata Steel Chess India Rapid rounds - Telegraph India
Young Nihal Sarin clinches Tata Steel Chess Rapid title
Tata Steel Chess: Anand, Nihal share lead after Rd 6
Kolkata comes alive as Anand and Arjun deliver a classic at Tata Steel Chess India Rapid and Blitz
Still Got It! Vishy Anand Shares Tata Steel Rapid Chess Lead With Nihal Sarin
Clock stop chaos in Kolkata: Praggnanandhaa halts play at critical moment, draw ruling triggers debate
Tata Steel Chess: Nihal Sarin battles through grief – wins Rapid title a day after grandfather’s death
Nihal Sarin beats the odds, claims Tata Steel Rapid crown
Tata Steel Chess India: Gukesh's last-minute replacement Nihal Sarin trumps Viswanathan Anand to win open rapid title
Last-minute call, lasting impression: Nihal Sarin’s Rapid rise at Tata Steel Chess India
