Daijiworld Media Network - Kolkata

Kolkata, Jan 11: Indian Grandmaster Arjun Erigaisi produced a masterclass in speed chess as he stunned legends Viswanathan Anand and China’s Wei Yi during the blitz event of the 2026 Tata Steel Chess tournament, showcasing nerves of steel, deep preparation and exceptional clock management.

Facing five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand, Erigaisi opted for sharp, unconventional lines that avoided well-trodden theoretical paths. By steering the game into dynamic middlegame positions early, Arjun neutralised Anand’s legendary opening preparation and forced the veteran into complex tactical battles. Making rapid yet precise decisions, Erigaisi built time pressure on Anand, eventually capitalising on a minor inaccuracy to convert the advantage and secure a memorable win.

Against Wei Yi, known for his tactical brilliance and speed, Erigaisi employed a different strategy altogether. He chose a solid structure, prioritising piece coordination and king safety, while subtly provoking overextension. As the clock ticked down, Arjun switched gears, unleashing a series of tactical shots that caught Wei Yi off guard. The sudden shift from quiet manoeuvring to sharp aggression proved decisive, allowing Erigaisi to clinch the game in a tense finish.

Chess analysts noted that Erigaisi’s success lay not just in calculation, but in his psychological approach. By tailoring his strategy to each opponent and exploiting the unique demands of blitz chess — especially time pressure — he managed to “hoodwink” two of the world’s elite in contrasting styles.

With these standout victories, Arjun Erigaisi reaffirmed his growing stature on the global chess stage, underlining that the new generation of Indian grandmasters is ready to challenge the very best, even in formats where experience has traditionally held sway.