Erigaisi ends 25-game winless run, could ruin D Gukesh’s title dream
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Indian GM Arjun Erigasi's search for a first win in the Tata Steel Masters ended with a stunning point over the in-form Nodirbek Abdusattorov of Uzbekistan in round 12.
Erigaisi outplayed Nodirbek with white pieces in a pulsating game that ended in the Uzbek star's resignation after 46 moves. Erigaisi had lost four and drawn seven of his previous games. He is placed 12th in the 14-player field on 4.5 points, four points behind joint-leaders D Gukesh and R Praggnanandhaa.
Erigaisi hasn't had much luck in the prestigious event at Wijk aan Zee in the Netherlands. His previous participation in the event in 2023 had been equally disappointing as he finished bottom with just 4 points from 13 rounds. This win over Nodirbek has ended Erigaisi's 25-game run without a win in the Tata Steel Masters.
Erigaisi had started the event as India's No. 1 and only the second from his country to cross the 2800 mark in Elo ratings (after Viswanathan Anand). However, the series of unfavourable results has seen him lose the position, in live ratings, to Gukesh. The changes in ratings would reflect in the next FIDE update.
Gukesh, Pragg in hunt
World Champion Gukesh and his compatriot Praggnanandhaa are favourites to the title with just one round remaining. Gukesh wasted a glorious chance to move into sole lead when he settled for a draw with Jorden van Foreest. Meanwhile, Praggnanandhaa beat Alexey Sarana to go on level with his friend at the top of the table.
Despite being out of the title race, Erigaisi will play a decisive role in his compatriots' winning chances. He plays black against Gukesh in the final round Sunday night. Praggnanandhaa will play black against Vincent Keymer at the same time. The outcome of the games involving Gukesh and Praggnanandhaa would decide the winner of the event. Gukesh has not lost a game since becoming the youngest World Champion last December.