India’s recent chess sensation from the Esports World Cup 2025 has made it to the spotlight again. And this time, it’s an even bigger achievement. Nihal beat India’s number 1, Arjun Erigaisi, in the ongoing Nihal Sarin stuns Indian chess by defeating top-ranked Arjun Erigaisi at Chennai Grand Masters 2025, marking his classical chess comeback..
Nihal Sarin: A Rising Star
Nihal Sarin is known for his lightning-fast moves, especially in blitz and rapid formats, and he has been working hard to improve his classical chess lately. He faced a rough patch during the early rounds of the tournament, having drawn some matches and losing the ones he was close to winning.
However, he didn’t give up, and guess what? He bounced back even stronger by beating Erigiasi in round 4 of the Chennai Grand Masters 2025, who is currently India’s top-ranked player and world number 4. He didn’t just outsmart a chess giant. This victory also marked his first win of the tournament, which is a reassurance that his classical chess skills are improving.
A Thrilling Game
The match between Nihal Sarin and Arjun Erigiasi was intense from the beginning, where both players showed intense strategy and tactics. Nihal managed to stay calm and force Arjun into a difficult position, where he finally converted his advantage into a win. Fans and experts alike are labeling it as one of the toughest endgame conversions they’ve ever seen.
The Chennai Grand Masters 2025 is one of India’s toughest and most prestigious chess tournaments, attracting top players from around the globe like Vincent Keymer, Anish Giri, and local chess giants like Arjun Erigiasi, Praggnanandhaa, and Gukesh D. The tournament is being played at the Hyatt Regency in Chennai and features 9 rounds.
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Round 4 ended today, with Vincent Keymer still on top of the leaderboards while Erigiasi is trailing behind him. With this win, all eyes will be on Nihal Sarin as he tries to climb up the rankings, as he is in the eighth position as of now.
Also read: Who Is Ramesh Budihal? The Indian Surfer Who Won A Historic Bronze
