Chess Giants Clash: Anand, Niemann Share Top Spot, Yip Leads Women's Competition

Image Source: Internet

In the seventh Tata Steel Chess India, Viswanathan Anand and Hans Niemann are tied for first place with 2.5 points, while Carissa Yip is the sole leader in the women's competition after the first day of rapid games. Anand's win against Aravindh Chithambaram showcased his skill, as he used clever rook play to secure the victory. Vidit Gujrathi made a strong statement with a dominating win over Arjun Erigaisi, sealing the victory with a rare knight-and-bishop checkmate. Niemann won his first game with an adventurous king walk against Volodar Murzin. R Praggnanandhaa controlled both wings before breaking through on the kingside to defeat Arjun Erigaisi. Meanwhile, in the women's section, Vantika Agrawal has made an impressive start, scoring 2 out of 3. Carissa Yip emerged as the sole leader with 2.5 points after a calm conversion of an early exchange advantage against Aleksandra Goryachkina. The event saw several dramatic moments, including a 114-move marathon draw between Harika Dronavalli and Divya Deshmukh, and a complex struggle between Stavroula Tsolakidou and Deshmukh.