It was not an easy game for D Gukesh. But the reigning world chess champion won a nail-biting 72-move match against Vincent Keymer on Wednesday. It was also the longest game of Round 5 in the Masters part of the Tata Steel Chess Tournament in Wijk aan Zed, which took place on Wednesday. As a result, Gukesh has become the new India No. 1, surpassing Arjun Erigaisi in the real-time ratings.
It is worth noting that Keymer was a member of Gukesh’s team in Singapore for the World Chess Championship in December of last year. On Wednesday, Gukesh wore a grey hoodie and played with white pieces. He started with some blunders, giving the Germans early control. However, Gukesh’s reading of the game quickly overcame Keymer’s approach of trying to tire the Indians out, and the Germans surrendered.
D Gukesh has gained seven Elo points, bringing his live rating to 2784. Meanwhile, Erigaisi, India’s number one before this tournament, has lost 21.5 points and is now at 2779. Erigaisi was previously ranked in the 2800 club but has recently struggled. In Wijk aan Zed, he lost three games and was drawn two. He and Leon Luke Mendonca are tied for last place. Meanwhile, Gukesh is now unblemished in the tournament.
D Gukesh’s New Reign as India’s No. 1
With two victories and three ties. He drew against Vladimir Fedoseev and Alexey Sarana but defeated Anish Giri and Vincent Keymer. The live ratings are expected to alter, and if Erigaisi makes a comeback, he could reclaim his place from Gukesh. There are eight more Swiss rounds and possible playoffs. Despite not playing in the event, Magnus Carlsen still leads the live ratings with 2832.5.
The Norwegian is followed by American GM Hikaru Nakamura (2802) and Fabiano Caruana (2798) in second and third place, respectively. Meanwhile, Gukesh is fourth and Erigaisi is fifth on the list. Meanwhile, R Praggnanandhaa (2753.9) has risen three ranks to 10th, while Viswanathan Anand (2750) is 11th.
