FIDE Candidates 2024: India's Vidit Gujrathi stuns World No. 3 Hikaru Nakamura

Gukesh D defeated Praggnanandhaa in an all-India match.

India’s Vidit Gujrathi ended the 47-match unbeaten streak of world number three Hikaru Nakamura on the second day of the FIDE Candidates 2024 chess tournament. World No. 26 Gujrathi played with the black pieces, a position often considered less advantageous but still overturned the World Fischer Random Chess Champion.

The Candidates Tournament, an important competition with eight players, is currently ongoing to determine the challenger for the current world champion, Ding Liren. This event is not only a platform for the Open category but also includes a women’s competition that is happening simultaneously to determine the contender for Ju Wenjun’s title.

Gujrathi’s win against Nakamura was not only a personal achievement but also a major surprise in the tournament, possibly changing the outcome of the championship competition. His tie with fellow Indian player D Gukesh in the first round paved the way for this impressive feat.

Vidit Gujrathi’s performance over the past year has been a mix of highs and lows. He secured his spot in the Chess World Cup 2023 through his rating, stepping in for Ju Wenjun, the reigning women’s world chess champion. Vidit defeated Ian Nepomniachtchi in the Round of 16, marking his second consecutive appearance in the World Cup quarterfinals. However, his journey was halted by Nijat Abasov, precluding his qualification for the Candidates Tournament.

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During the FIDE Grand Swiss Tournament 2023, Vidit had a tough start as he lost in the first round. However, He bounced back and managed to win seven out of the next ten matches. This impressive turnaround led to him winning the tournament with a score of 8½/11 and he was able to secure a spot in the top two of the Grand Swiss, earning him a place in the Candidates Tournament 2024.

In a match featuring Indian players, the 17-year-old D Gukesh emerged victorious over R Praggnanandhaa, despite playing with the black pieces.

Next, Gujrathi is set to compete against Praggnanandhaa, while Gukesh will challenge Ian Nepomniachtchi.

Meanwhile, Vaishali Rameshbabu, Praggnanandhaa’s sister, was defeated by China’s Tan Zhongyi, and Koneru Humpy played a stalemate against Kateryna Lagno.

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