Chennai Grand Masters: Nihal Sarin downs Arjun Erigaisi, Keymer extends lead

Indian GM Arjun Erigaisi suffered a tough defeat to fellow countryman Nihal Sarin, while Germany’s Vincent Keymer extended his lead at the top with a draw against the Netherlands’ Anish Giri in the fourth round of the Chennai Grand Masters on Sunday.

The victory for Sarin was hard-fought. Both players opted for the Reti Opening, a strategic start that involves developing a piece rather than a pawn. With legendary former World Champion Vishwanathan Anand watching closelyErigaisi initially took the first piece on the 15th move. However, the game opened up as Nihal capitalized on opportunities, turning the tide on the 70th move to claim his first win of the tournament.

Murali Kartikeyan also enjoyed a positive result by defeating Jorden van Foreest, climbing the tournament standings. Meanwhile, Vidit Gujrathi and V Pranav shared points in a closely contested game. The all-American clash between Awonder Liang and Ray Robson ended in a draw, with both players earning half a point each.

In the Challengers section, Abhimanyu Puranik took sole lead after a commanding win over Vaishali Rameshbabu with the white pieces. M Pranesh, who had previously held the lead, ceded the top spot following a draw against Adhiban Baskaran.

Diptayan Ghosh scored a vital win against Harshavardhan GB, while Leon Luke Mendonca also kept pace by defeating Harika Dronavalli. Both moved level with Pranesh at 3 points. Additionally, GM P Iniyan overcame Aryan Chopra to move to 2.5 points.

Masters – Round 4 Results:

Muralli Krtikian (1) deaf. Jordan van Forest (0); Ray Robson () drawing Liang Howander (); Neal Sirin (1) deaf. Arjun Erigacy (0) Pronav V () draww Vdiit Gujrathti (); Vincent Keymer () draww Anish Giri ()

Challengers – Round 4 Results:

Harshvardhan GB (0) Lost to Diptayan Ghosh (1); P iniyan (1) def. Aryan Chopra (0); Adhiban b () Drew Pranesh M (); Leon Luke Mendonca (1) Def. Harika draonavalli (0); Abhinmanyu Puranik (1) Def. Vaishali rameshbabu (0).

Masters Standings after Day 4:

1. Vincent Keymer – 3.5
2. Arjun Erigaisi – 2.5
3. Anish Giri – 2
4. Ray Robson – 2
5. Awonder Liang – 2
6. Vidit Gujrathi – 2
7. Karthikeyan mural – 2
8. Nihal Sarin – 1.5
9. V Pranav – 1.5
10. Jorden van Foreest – 1

Challengers Standings after Day 4:

1. Abhimanyu Puranik – 3.5
2. M Pranesh – 3
3. Diptayan Ghosh – 3
4. Leon Luke Mendonca – 3
5. Pa In Information – 2.5
6. Adhiban Bascaran – 2
7. Vaishali rameshbabu – 1
8. Aryan Chopra – 1
9. Great Dronavalli – 0.5
10. Harshavardhan GB – 0.5.

– Ends