World champion D Gukesh and Arjun Erigaisi are set to lead India’s charge at the Norway Chess tournament. They will face formidable opponents like Magnus Carlsen and Hikaru Nakamura starting Monday (May 26).
Gukesh will challenge world No.1 Carlsen in the opening round, promising a thrilling match. Meanwhile, Erigaisi will begin his campaign against China’s Wei Yi.
The women’s section features two-time World Rapid champion Koneru Humpy, who will compete against fellow Indian R Vaishali in the first round. This prestigious event, held in a double round-robin format, includes six players each in the men’s and women’s categories. It is one of the most significant tournaments on the chess calendar.
India’s Rising Chess Stars
This year marks the first time India has two players in the men’s section, raising hopes for a maiden title win since the tournament’s inception in 2013. The event initially featured top players, including five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand. Anand has participated multiple times and finished as runner-up in 2015.
Anand recently expressed excitement about the tournament, noting that both Gukesh and Erigaisi are motivated to challenge Carlsen, who has won six titles here. The presence of four Indian players highlights chess’s growth in India, although overcoming Carlsen and Nakamura remains challenging.
Challenges Ahead
Nakamura, ranked second globally behind Carlsen, poses a tough challenge, especially if games reach the Armageddon format during stalemates. Gukesh, ranked world No.3, and Erigaisi at No.4, must display resilience to overcome Carlsen and Nakamura’s defences.
Gukesh seeks this elusive title after winning against China’s Ding Liren last year in Singapore. However, he faced setbacks in Paris’s Freestyle chess tournament and lost the Tata Steel Masters title to compatriot R Praggnanandhaa earlier this year.
Women’s Section Highlights
The women’s category, introduced last year, features Koneru Humpy and R Vaishali competing against Chinese champions Ju Wenjun and Tan Zhongyi. Humpy’s match with Wenjun could determine the title winner. Humpy remains driven after winning her second world rapid title last year.
The tournament offers equal prize money for men and women, a rarity in chess events, with a total prize fund of approximately USD 1,62,681. This could motivate women competitors further.
Despite recent struggles, Gukesh is expected to regain form soon. Meanwhile, Praggnanandhaa has been performing exceptionally well this year. The competition promises intense battles as players vie for victory.