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New Indian Express
2 days ago
- Sport
- New Indian Express
Chennai Grand Masters: Pranesh emerges winner in Challenger section
CHENNAI: VINCENT Keymer crushed his opponent again to make it a tournament to remember. The German, who cracked the live top-10 a few days ago, gained more points on Friday after his clinical win over Ray Robson. The 20-year-old, who has gained 20.9 rating points in this competition alone, finished with seven out of nine, a full two points ahead of Anish Giri, Murali Karthikeyan and Arjun Erigaisi. But there was action in the Challengers section. On a drama-filled final day, three people had the chance to claim the title and qualify for the Masters section in 2026. In the end, all three of them lost as the pressure got to them. M Pranesh, who went into the final day with a half point lead, won even though he lost against Harshavardhan GB. The RB Ramesh product only qualified for this event in a one-off online play-in. "I knew I would qualify for the Challengers section because I thought I was pretty strong," he said after winning. "But I didn't expect this (winning the Challengers)."
Time of India
3 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Breaking into top-10 extra special: Keymer
Vincent Keymer Chennai: Moments after capping off his Chennai Grand Masters campaign with an impressive final-round win over Ray Robson, champion Vincent Keymer was surrounded by many children who were eager for photos and autographs here on Friday. The 20-year-old from Germany, already a crowd favourite, obliged each one with a smile. En route his triumph, he also broke into the world's top-10 in the live ratings for the first time. In an interaction with TOI, Keymer said the trophy is special, but breaking into the top-10 is a milestone he would cherish more. He also spoke about the challenges of being a professional chess player in his home country and more. Excerpts: On the Chennai GM win and whether he expected to go the distance: It has been a great tournament and finishing it with a win is special. Winning 9/9 would have been a bit too good of a tournament. Because this tournament is difficult and even going to a plus score is also difficult, a 7 out of 9 result is a really fantastic one. In terms of classical chess, this is certainly one of my biggest assets. If you go to a tournament where you're the underdog, you want to win. On why he considers himself as an underdog: Not exactly, but Arjun (Erigaisi) had the highest rating and after him, there's Anish (Giri), Vidit (Gujrathi), and then me, we had more or less similar ratings. On what was more special, winning the event or breaking into top-10: This win is special because it's the strongest classical tournament that I have won, but breaking into top-10 is more special. On how this win will help him in the World Cup, scheduled in India later this year: I've been to India a few times. I don't think the conditions will bother me so much. But of course, it will be a nice feeling having played such a good tournament the last time I've been in India. I think it will leave me going to the World Cup with a pretty good feeling. On the Candidates race: I will look at the standings. Pragg (R Praggnanandhaa leads the FIDE circuit board), he kind of won so many top events and is leading by a big margin. Of course, I will try the other routes. I mean, it's incredibly difficult because it's an aim for so many players and very few get those spots. But yeah, for sure I will try my best. Getting there will be a huge achievement. On what would winning a Candidates seat mean back home: I mean, chess is not as big in Germany as it is in India. But I think it's improving. If my results improve and I make more headlines on the international stage, it will also help make chess more popular in Germany. Basically, in Germany, it's not easy being a professional chess player. If you're not at the very top, it's not that easy to make a living. Or in other words, people who play chess often are also very capable of doing things in other fields. And currently in Germany, you get support and financial support only if you're getting to the top. I mean, there are a few players who do it because it's their passion and they are very good. We have a very strong national team of five players who are all in the top-100, more or less. It's just that there is potential for more. On how he deals with the demands of the game: I think it's important to have little breaks. Because for us now, even when we don't play tournaments, there's something else in chess. We have a training camp, or we have a tournament coming up and we need to prepare. It becomes very important to take some time off chess, both for relaxation and to be hungry for chess. Like, if you are only playing, you never feel the urge to get back to chess. But when you have a little break, you feel like you miss it. On his coach Peter Leko (Leko was one of Vladimir Kramnik's seconds during the 2008 World Championship against Viswanathan Anand): We have been calling pretty much every day discussing what to prepare and how to approach the next game. He has been a huge help here. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
News18
3 days ago
- Sport
- News18
Chennai Grand Masters Day 9: Vincent Keymer Becomes First Overseas Champ, Pranesh Clinches Challengers Crown
Last Updated: Vincent Keymer, who wrapped up the title with a game to go, ensured to add a coat of sheen to his crown with a win in the final round against Ray Robson to remain unbeaten. Vincent Keymer, who wrapped up the title with a game to go, ensured to add a coat of sheen to his crown with a win in the final round against Ray Robson to remain unbeaten, while Pranesh M won the challengers section despite his defeat in the conclusive outing. The Chennai Grandmasters witnessed its maiden overseas champion being crowned as German Vincent Keymer went through the event in Chennai unbeaten to seal the title in emphatic fashion with 7 points to his name. The hotly-contested tournament also proved significant for the German for more reasons than one, as his run shot him into the top-10 of the World Rankings for the very first time in his fledgling career. The title, which was won by Indians D Gukesh and Arvindh Chidambaram in the two previous editions, was convincingly conquered by the 20-year-old from Mainz, who closed out the tournament with a win over American Ray Robson, who finished at the bottom of the table with just 3 points in 9 rounds. Robson, however, did not have to languish at the bottom all alone as Pranav V, who succumbed to Nihal Sarin in the final game of the series, also finished with 3 points to his name. Nihal's triumph also ensured he finished ahead of Vidit Gujrathi with 4.5 points. Karthikeyan Murali and Arjun Erigaisi, who started the final day tied at 4.5 points each, fought it out to secure second place in the Capital City of Tamil Nadu, but ended up sharing the spoils on the day to finish joint second with 5 points, alongside Dutchman Anish Giri, who had eight draws in as many outings heading into the final day, signed off with a win over countryman Jorden Van Foreest. American Lian Awonder, who prefers to be referred to as 'a breath of fresh air', gave a good account of himself at the event in the cradle of chess as he finished with 4.5 points as he played out a draw with Indian Gujrathi, who completed the event with 4 points to his name. Pranesh Wins Challengers, Seals Passage To Masters Harshavardha GB ended his campaign with four points as he beat Pranesh M, who was made to wait for the conclusion of other games to get his hands on the title. Diptayan Ghosh completed the event with a win over hometown girl Vaishali R, who finished the event at the Hyatt Regency with a solitary point and no wins. Ghosh ended his fixtures with 4.5 points. Aryan Chopra picked up a win over Harika Dronavalli, who completed the event last but second with a point and a half. Adhiban B posted a win over Leaon Luke Mendoca to throw a wrench in the work of the latter's effort to fight for the title, as his chance to go past Pranesh evaporated. Abhimanyu Puranik, who also had the chance to bag the title with a win, fell flat to Iniyan Pa in the longest board of the day, as Pranesh thanked his lucky stars for a top spot finish and a berth in the Masters category next year. Challengers Results Day 9 Masters Points Table 1. Vincent Keymer (Winner) – 7 Points 2. Anish Giri – 5 Points 3. Arjun Erigaisi – 5 Points 4. Karthikeyan Murali – 5 Points 5. Nihal Sarin – 4.5 Points 6. Liang Awonder – 4.5 Points 7. Vidit Gujrathi – 4 Points 8. Jorden Van Foreest – 4 Points 9. Pranav V – 3 Points 10. Ray Robson – 3 Points Challengers Points Table 1. Pranesh M (Winner) – 6.5 Points 2. Adhiban B – 6 Points 3. Abhimanyu Puranik – 6 Points 4. Leon Luke Mendoca – 6 Points 5. Iniyan Pa – 5.5 Points 6. Diptaya Ghosh – 4.5 Points 7. Harshavardhan GB – 4 Points 8. Aryan Chopra – 4 Points 9. Harika Dronavalli – 1.5 Points 10. Vaishali Rameshbabu – 1 Point Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. News18 Sports brings you the latest updates, live commentary, and highlights from cricket, football, tennis, badmintion, wwe and more. Catch breaking news, live scores, and in-depth coverage. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : Anish Giri Arjun Erigaisi Chennai Grand Masters Chess Pranesh M Vincent Keymer view comments Location : Chennai, India, India First Published: August 15, 2025, 18:36 IST News sports Chennai Grand Masters Day 9: Vincent Keymer Becomes First Overseas Champ, Pranesh Clinches Challengers Crown Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
NDTV
09-08-2025
- Sport
- NDTV
Arjun Erigaisi In Second Place, German GM Vincent Keymer Leads After Three Rounds Of Chennai Chess
A strong performance from world No. 5 Indian Grandmaster Arjun Erigaisi saw him defeat American GM Ray Robson to stay in sole second position behind Germany's Vincent Keymer after three rounds of the Quantbox Chennai Grand Masters, here on Saturday. With six more rounds to go in the round-robin competition in the Masters category, Erigaisi is on 2.5 points, while Keymer continues to lead with a perfect score of three points after scoring another victory, this time against Karthikeyan Murali in the classical chess tournament. Another Indian GM, Vidit Gujrathi bounced back with a crucial win against country-mate Nihal Sarin, while American GM Awonder Liang scored his first victory of the tournament, stunning Dutch GM Jorden van Foreest. V Pranav, one of the youngest players in the field, impressed by holding top seed Anish Giri to a draw. In the Challengers section, Abhimanyu Puranik maintained his steady rise with victory over Harshavardhan GB, while M Pranesh defeated P. Iniyan. Leon Luke Mendonca overcame R. Vaishali, while Adhiban Baskaran split point with D. Harika. Aryan Chopra and Diptayan Ghosh also played out a draw.
India Today
09-08-2025
- Sport
- India Today
Chennai Grand Masters: Arjun Erigaisi held, Vidit Gujrathi suffers shock loss
Top-seeded Arjun Erigaisi was held to a draw by Dutch GM Jorden van Foreest, while Vidit Gujrathi suffered a shock defeat to Ray Robson in the second round of the Chennai Grand Masters Chess tournament on Friday, August 9. Germany's Vincent Keymer emerged as the sole leader on Day 2 after his commanding win over India's V Pranav. The Indian was able to go toe-to-toe with Keymer, but the German was able to make a comeback to secure his second win on the trot. advertisementErigaisi and Foreest were forced to settle for a draw after tan evenly-matched tactical battle. Erigaisi is now joint-second in the standings with 1.5 points, alongside Ray Robson, who stunned Gujrathi. The Indian grandmaster and Robson were involved in a see-saw battle which saw Gujrathi secure a winning position. However, Gujrathi faltered in the end game, allowing Robson to capitalise and secure his first win of the tournament, after an intense time scramble. Anish Giri and Nihal Sarin shared the spoils in a well-balanced battle on the day, which saw the Indian ace come close to securing a big win. Nihal had found his rhythm and was in a superior position in terms of time and on the board forcing Giri on to the backfoot. However, the Dutch GM found a way to escape and secure a draw in the end. The showdown between Karthikeyan Murali and Awonder Liang also ended in a the challengers section, Indian GM Iniyan Pa impressed everyone with a commanding win over GM Harika Dronavalli, while Abhimanyu Puranik bounced back with a victory over Leon Luke Mendonca. The games involving Diptayan and Pranesh, Adhiban and Vaishali, and Harshavardhan and Aryan ended in Grand Masters: ResultsV Pranav (IND) 0-1 Vincent Keymer (GER); Karthikeyan Murali (IND) 1/2-1/2 Awonder Liang (USA); Jorden van Foreest (NED) 1/2-1/2 Arjun Erigaisi (IND); Ray Robson (USA) 1-0 Vidit Gujrathi (IND); Nihal Sarin (IND) 1/2-1/2 Anish Giri (NED). - Ends
