The Tata Steel Chess tournament in Wijk aan Zee has proven to be a challenging battleground for India's elite chess players, with Praggnanandhaa, Arjun Erigaisi, and Aravindh Chitambaram collectively securing just three victories in thirty-three classical games. This disappointing performance has raised significant questions about their current form and tournament readiness.
A Day of Disappointments in Round 11
Friday's Round 11 brought further setbacks for the Indian contingent. Praggnanandhaa suffered a defeat against German grandmaster Vincent Keymer, while Arjun Erigaisi was outplayed by World Cup winner Javokhir Sindarov. World champion D Gukesh, despite holding a significant advantage in his game, was held to a draw by compatriot Aravindh Chitambaram, adding to the day's frustrations.
The Statistical Reality
Between the three players - Praggnanandhaa, Arjun Erigaisi, and Aravindh Chitambaram - they have managed only three wins in thirty-three classical games at this prestigious tournament. Notably, two of those victories came against fellow Indian players, highlighting the struggle against international opponents. In stark contrast, world champion Gukesh has secured three wins in his eleven rounds, demonstrating better resilience despite facing intense scrutiny as the reigning champion.
Standings and Rating Implications
With just two rounds remaining, the tournament standings paint a concerning picture for the Indian players. Gukesh leads the Indian contingent with 5.5 points, while Praggnanandhaa (4.5 points), Arjun Erigaisi (4 points), and Aravindh Chitambaram (4 points) find themselves among the bottom four players in the masters standings.
The rating implications are particularly significant. Arjun Erigaisi has lost twenty-four rating points during this turbulent campaign, with his sole victory coming against Praggnanandhaa in the first round. Since that initial win, he has suffered four defeats and six draws, resulting in a twenty-nine point rating loss at Wijk aan Zee alone.
The Anand Factor
Perhaps the most startling development is the potential return of semi-retired legend Viswanathan Anand as India's top-rated player. In the live ratings, which update in real-time, Arjun currently holds the top Indian spot with 2751 points, followed closely by Gukesh at 2748. Anand sits at 2743, wedged between Gukesh and Praggnanandhaa (2742). Given the current trajectory, Anand could reclaim the top Indian ranking when the tournament concludes in two days.
Individual Campaigns Analyzed
Praggnanandhaa's performance has mirrored his compatriots' struggles, with just one victory in eleven rounds - that too against fellow RB Ramesh chess academy product Aravindh Chitambaram. His other ten games have resulted in three defeats and seven draws, including six consecutive draws that have hampered his progress.
World champion Gukesh, despite losing three games to strong opponents including Nodirbek Abdusattorov, Anish Giri, and Matthias Bluebaum (the latter two being Candidates tournament participants), has shown remarkable resilience, dropping only six rating points over eleven rounds. His ability to maintain composure under pressure contrasts sharply with his compatriots' performances.
Broader Implications
This collective struggle raises important questions about the Indian chess ecosystem. Are the players experiencing tournament fatigue? Is the pressure of expectations affecting their performance? The fact that elite players are making uncharacteristic blunders suggests deeper issues that need addressing as India continues its chess ascendancy on the global stage.
The tournament's final two rounds will be crucial not just for standings but for psychological recovery. How these young stars respond to adversity will define their growth and determine whether this Wijk aan Zee campaign becomes a learning experience or a significant setback in their promising careers.
