Arjun Erigaisi Triumphs Over Anand at Jerusalem Masters

Jerusalem, Dec 4 (PTI) — In a thrilling all-Indian final at the Jerusalem Masters, Grandmaster Arjun Erigaisi emerged victorious over five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand to claim the prestigious title.

After the initial rapid games concluded in draws, Erigaisi gained momentum in the first Blitz tie-break match by securing a win with the white pieces, establishing a crucial lead in the fixture. The 22-year-old was also poised to win the second Blitz encounter but opted for a draw, which was sufficient to clinch the match 2.5-1.5, according to a report by 'chessbase.com'.

"It wasn't easy. There were a lot of challenges. My quality wasn't the best. I'm just glad I managed to make it through," Arjun reflected in an interview with the organizers following his victory.

He highlighted the tension of both his matches against Peter Svidler and Anand, noting, "Today, both the matches (versus Peter Svidler and then Anand) were very tense. In the first game against Anand sir, we both missed our chances. But in blitz, I think I played quite well."

Reflecting on a lapse in Game 1 of the final, despite having an advantage with the white pieces, Erigaisi shared his concerns of "messing up" but lauded his perseverance. "During the game, I was very worried. I knew I was winning and I knew I messed it. So, I was definitely worried. But okay, all I had to do was to fight back and that is what I was trying to do."

With this victory, Erigaisi took home a prize of USD 55,000, while Anand received USD 35,000. Arjun secured his place in the final after triumphing over Russian Grandmaster Peter Svidler in the semi-final, while Anand outmaneuvered reigning World Blitz champion Ian Nepomniachtchi.

In the battle for third place, Svidler defeated his compatriot Nepomniachtchi with a score of 2.5-1.5.

The Jerusalem Masters is a closed invitational 12-player round-robin tournament, where the top four participants advance to the playoff stage.