Nihal Sarin: The Quest for Redemption in Classical Chess

The 18th Tashkent Open “Agzamov Memorial” kicked off in Uzbekistan with 158 players in Group A all aiming for victory and a boost in ratings. Among them is India’s Nihal Sarin, the top seed, looking to prove himself and break the 2,700 Elo rating mark in Classical chess.

Nihal, once hailed as a prodigy alongside global talents, has seen his peers like Arjun Erigaisi and R Praggnanandhaa surpass him in recent years. Despite excelling in speed chess, Nihal’s performance in Classical chess has plateaued, leaving many questioning his place in the hierarchy of Indian chess talent.

However, Nihal remains unfazed, focusing on his strengths and unique playing style. With a strong support system and a track record of success in shorter formats, Nihal is poised to make a mark in the chess world. As the tournament unfolds, all eyes will be on Nihal as he strives to reclaim his position among India’s elite chess players.