Overview
- Hans Niemann beat Vladimir Fedoseev in 16 moves, Vincent Keymer defeated Anish Giri, and Arjun Erigaisi overcame Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa to deliver the day’s three wins.
- Javokhir Sindarov saved a lost position to draw with World Champion Gukesh after a 78-move battle.
- Extinction Rebellion dumped 2,025 kg of coal outside the venue and blocked access, delaying the start by about 1.5 hours.
- In the Challengers, Bibisara Assaubayeva upset Andy Woodward and 14-year-old IM Lu Miaoyi beat Max Warmerdam, while 12-year-old Faustino Oro drew top seed Velimir Ivic as he pursues a final GM norm.
- Niemann, Keymer, and Erigaisi lead the Masters on 1 point each, with Round 2 set for January 18.