Indian Chess
Gukesh's title dreams end in draw with Chithambaram at Tata Steel Masters
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World champion D Gukesh's hopes for the Tata Steel Masters 2026 title were dashed after drawing with compatriot Aravindh Chithambaram in round 11. Fellow Indians R Praggnanandhaa and Arjun Erigaisi also suffered defeats, marking a tough day for the Indian contingent. Uzbek players Javokhir Sindarov and Nodirbek Abdusattorov now lead with seven points each.
The First Chola Chess International Grandmasters Norm Round Robin Tournament 2026 began on February 3 in Chennai, India, marking the country's first closed GM norm event. Organized by Chola Chess in partnership with Chess Gurukul, the nine-day competition features 10 players vying for Grandmaster norms in a round-robin format. The first round commenced at 2 PM IST under FIDE regulations.
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International Master Arun Vaidya, India's seventh IM and a key figure in the country's chess history, passed away on December 24, 2025, at the age of 76. Known for his playing achievements in the 1970s and 1980s, as well as his influential coaching career, Vaidya left a lasting impact on Indian chess through his students and contemporaries. Tributes from grandmasters like Viswanathan Anand highlight his warmth and dedication to the game.