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The final round of the Tata Steel chess tournament witnessed a dramatic upset as Arjun Erigaisi handed Gukesh, the reigning world champion, his first defeat of the tournament. This stunning victory throws the overall tournament outcome into disarray, as the ultimate winner now depends on the result of the remaining match between Praggnanandhaa and Vincent Keymer. Prior to Erigaisi's win, Gukesh and Praggnanandhaa were tied at the top of the leaderboard with 8.5 points each, leaving Nodirbek Abdusattarov a single point behind. Abdusattarov's hopes for a third consecutive year without winning the Tata Steel Masters were dashed when he drew against Pentala Harikrishna, Gukesh's second, who played a crucial role in Gukesh's historic world championship victory in December. The tension throughout the final round was palpable, particularly as Praggnanandhaa, playing with the black pieces, faced immense pressure in his own game.
Erigaisi's triumph over Gukesh was even more remarkable considering his own struggles throughout the tournament. Before this pivotal win, Erigaisi had endured a series of disappointing results, including eleven games without a single victory, leaving him languishing at the bottom of the standings. His resurgence began in round 12, where he secured his first win of 2025 against Abdusattarov. This victory, however, paled in comparison to the shock delivered in the final round, where he skillfully outmaneuvered the world champion in just 31 moves. Playing with the black pieces, Erigaisi established early pressure on the h-file, gradually tightening the noose around Gukesh, until the young champion was left with few options. The game highlights Erigaisi's resilience and strategic prowess, showcasing his capacity to turn a struggling tournament around with unexpected wins.
A particularly fascinating aspect of the game lies in Erigaisi's response to a critical juncture. Gukesh attempted a trap with his 28th move, placing Erigaisi's king under threat. Experienced grandmasters, analyzing the game afterward, pointed out that the most natural move for Erigaisi would have been to move his king to b8, shielded by a group of pawns. Instead, Erigaisi chose the less obvious move of 28...Kd8, a decision made with just 17 seconds of thought remaining on the clock. This seemingly risky move proved to be decisive, as it prevented Gukesh from launching a devastating counterattack that would have likely led to a checkmate. Chess grandmaster David Howell, in commentary for Chess.com, brilliantly explained the intricate series of moves that Gukesh would have implemented, showcasing the exceptional foresight and calculation by Erigaisi in avoiding this intricate trap. His intuitive understanding prevented a certain loss and secured a decisive victory.
Erigaisi's performance showcases an impressive comeback from a difficult start to the tournament. He had lost significant rating points in the previous games, experiencing a substantial drop from his impressive achievements in the past year where he broke into the 2800 rating club. Yet, in the final two rounds, his strategic acumen and fortitude shone through, transforming a dire situation into one of remarkable success. His victory over Gukesh not only secured a personal triumph but also significantly boosted the chances of his friend Praggnanandhaa winning the coveted title. The tournament, already brimming with tension and excitement, is now poised for an electrifying climax, with the outcome entirely dependent on the final game between Praggnanandhaa and Vincent Keymer. The tiebreaker rules, detailed in a separate article, will be brought into effect should both players finish with the same number of points after round 13, promising further excitement as the tournament draws to a close.