D Gukesh Overtakes Arjun Erigaisi to Become No 1 Indian Chess Player in FIDE Rankings

The Indian chess scene is abuzz with excitement as D Gukesh has surpassed Arjun Erigaisi in the latest FIDE rankings to become the new No 1 chess player in the country. Gukesh’s stellar performance in the ongoing Tata Steel Chess tournament has propelled him to fourth place in the rankings with an impressive 2784 rating points, while Arjun has slipped to fifth place with 2779.5 rating points.

Gukesh’s rise to the top spot comes on the back of his strong showing in the tournament, where he has secured two wins and three draws so far. The 18-year-old from Chennai started the year with 2777 rating points and was ranked fifth in the FIDE rankings. However, his recent performances have seen him leapfrog Arjun and climb to the top of the Indian chess hierarchy.

In contrast, Arjun has had a tough time in the Tata Steel Chess tournament, with just 1/5 points to his name. He suffered early losses and is currently tied at the bottom of the standings in the Masters section. Gukesh, on the other hand, is in third place with 3.5/5 points, behind Praggnanandhaa and Nodirbek Abdusattorov.

Gukesh’s recent success comes on the heels of his historic victory at the World Chess Championship in Singapore, where he defeated Ding Liren to become only the second Indian to clinch the title after Viswanathan Anand. His decision to skip the FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Championships in New York seems to have paid off, as he continues to impress on the international stage.

As the Tata Steel Chess tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Gukesh as he aims to maintain his top spot in the FIDE rankings and solidify his position as India’s new chess prodigy.