Tata Steel Chess Tournament 2025, Round 1 Highlights: Gukesh Wins First Game as World Champion

In a thrilling start to the Tata Steel Chess Tournament 2025, Round 1 saw some intense battles and surprising outcomes. The highlight of the round was Gukesh, the youngest world champion in chess history, securing a victory against Anish Giri while playing with the white pieces.

Gukesh, who had just received the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award in New Delhi, wasted no time in showcasing his skills on the chessboard in the prestigious tournament in the Netherlands. The win against Giri, a formidable opponent, marked a strong start for the young champion.

In another exciting match between two Indian players, veteran Pentala Harikrishna emerged victorious against Arjun Erigaisi, the current top-ranked Indian in the world. Harikrishna, who had recently supported Gukesh at the World Chess Championship, displayed his experience and strategic prowess in the intense battle.

Elsewhere, Leon Luke Mendonca faced off against Vincent Keymer, Gukesh’s other second from the World Championship, in a closely contested game. Despite putting Keymer in a tough spot during the middle game, Mendonca ultimately fell short as the German GM secured the win.

In a nail-biting encounter, Praggnanandhaa found himself in a difficult position against Nodirbek Abdusattorov before the Uzbek grandmaster made a crucial error, allowing the Indian player to salvage a draw in the end.

In the challengers section, Vaishali Rameshbabu triumphed over Faustino Oro from Argentina, while Nodirbek Yakubboev defeated IM Divya Deshmukh in another intense match.

Chess enthusiasts can follow the move-by-move action from all the games featuring Indian players and even play along with the interactive updates provided. The first round of the Tata Steel Chess Tournament 2025 set the stage for an exciting competition ahead, with players showcasing their skills and determination on the board.