Overview
- Nihal Sarin topped the Open Rapid with 6.5/9, securing the title with a final-round draw against Viswanathan Anand, who finished on 6.0.
- A penultimate-round victory over Wesley So put Sarin clear after three straight wins on day two, following his lone loss to Arjun Erigaisi in round three.
- Sarin was drafted into the field after world champion D Gukesh withdrew, turning a last-minute call-up into a second Tata Steel India Rapid crown.
- He dedicated the triumph to his maternal grandfather, who passed away the night before the final day and whom he credits with introducing him to chess.
- In the women’s event, Kateryna Lagno went unbeaten to win on 6.5/9 with a round to spare, as the tournament now shifts to a two-day blitz segment this weekend.