How world chess champion D Gukesh pipped Arjun Erigaisi to turn into new India No. 1 | Chess Information – The Instances of India

NEW DELHI: Heading into the 87th version of the Tata Metal Chess Event 2025, the reigning world chess champion D Gukesh was ranked World No. 5 and India No. 2, trailing solely Arjun Erigaisi.
Nonetheless, the marketing campaign in Wijk aan Zee started on a bitter word for Arjun. He suffered a defeat in his opening sport in opposition to compatriot Pentala Harikrishna.
A subsequent draw in opposition to Dutch No. 1 Anish Giri supplied a glimmer of hope, however a crushing loss to R Praggnanandhaa dealt a extreme blow to his aspirations of successful the celebrated event within the Netherlands.
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After 5 rounds, Arjun continues to be trying to find his first victory and finds himself on the backside of the Masters leaderboard, alongside fellow Indian participant Leon Luke Mendonca, with simply 1/5 factors.
In distinction, Gukesh has continued to show the shape that gained him the world title. His efficiency has included victories over Anish Giri and Vincent Keymer, in addition to attracts in opposition to Fabiano Caruana, Vladimir Fedoseev, and Alexey Sarana.
The youngest-ever World Chess Champion stays undefeated since his historic conquer China’s Ding Liren in Singapore final month.
Arjun entered January with a score of 2801 however has dropped 21.5 factors as a consequence of his struggles in Wijk aan Zee, decreasing his stay score to 2779.5.
In the meantime, Gukesh, who started the month at 2777, has gained 7 factors in the course of the Tata Metal Chess Event, lifting his stay score to 2784.
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As these standings might change by the point the event ends, with solely 5 rounds accomplished for the time being, gamers will get pleasure from a relaxation day on January 23, providing each Arjun and Gukesh an opportunity to have a breathe.
However for now, D Gukesh has overtaken Arjun Erigaisi to turn into the brand new India No. 1.