Titled Tuesday Recap: Nihal Sarin Triumphs in a Nail-Biting Finish!

Nihal Sarin Clinches Thrilling Victory at Titled Tuesday

March 17, 2023 — In a nail-biting conclusion to this week’s Titled Tuesday, Grandmaster Nihal Sarin emerged victorious, defeating GM Nils Grandelius with a mere 0.7 seconds left on the clock. The final round saw Sarin triumph in a drawn rook ending, marking a dramatic finish to an intense tournament.

Sarin, who started the event with a perfect score of 8/8, faced fierce competition as the clock ticked down in several of his matches. Despite the pressure, his speed and skill shone through, allowing him to secure wins in the majority of his games, with the exception of a close encounter against GM Oleksandr Bortnyk.

Surprisingly, GM Aleksandar Indjic claimed second place with an impressive score of 9.5 points, while a six-way tie for third place ensued, with Bortnyk taking the spot based on tiebreaks.

A Tournament of High Stakes

The tournament unfolded with Sarin and GM Levon Aronian as the only players to remain undefeated for the first half. Aronian, however, faced a dramatic turn of events against GM Hans Niemann, who lamented a missed victory that turned into defeat.

As the rounds progressed, Sarin maintained his lead, but not without challenges. In a particularly thrilling eighth round against Niemann, Sarin once again showcased his quick thinking and speed, finishing with 8/8. The competition intensified as five players, including Bortnyk and Grandelius, closed in on Sarin with 8/9 scores.

The final showdown between Sarin and Grandelius was a battle of wits and nerves. Grandelius, eager for his first Titled Tuesday win, had his chances but ultimately succumbed to the time scramble, allowing Sarin to clinch the title after an exhausting 105 moves.

Post-Tournament Reflections

In a post-match interview, an apologetic Sarin expressed his sentiments: “I really want to say sorry to Nils… not the way I wanted to end it.” His humility resonated with fans and players alike, showcasing the sportsmanship that defines the chess community.

With this victory, Sarin now ties for first in the spring split of the Champions Chess Tour (CCT) after three weeks, as previous winners have struggled to maintain their standings.

Final Standings and Prizes

The tournament concluded with Sarin taking home $1,000, while Indjic and Bortnyk received $750 and $350, respectively. The remaining prizes were awarded to notable players, including GM Matthias Bluebaum and IM Anastasia Bodnaruk, who topped the women’s standings.

Titled Tuesday continues to be a highlight for chess enthusiasts, providing a platform for top players to showcase their skills every week. The next tournament is set to begin at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time, promising more thrilling matches and intense competition.

For full standings and more information, visit Chess.com.