Chennai Grand Masters: Alireza Firouzja won the title as world champion Gukesh suffered a shock finish

NEW DELHI: French Grandmaster Alireza Firouzja was crowned champion of the fourth edition of the Chennai Grand Masters after holding Indian GM Arjun Erigaisi to a draw in the final round on Wednesday, while world champion D Gukesh suffered a disappointing finish to finish last in the elite tournament.Firouzja finished the competition with 4.5 points after recording two wins and five draws in seven rounds. The Frenchman, who started the tournament with back-to-back wins, maintained consistency throughout the tournament with each round to clinch the title and take home the winner’s prize of Rs 25 crore.

Firouzja holds her nerve to win the title

Firouzja had a decisive half-point lead over nearest challengers Erigaisi and Uzbekistan’s Nodirbek Abdusattorov before the final round.While Firouzja only needed a draw against Erigaisi to secure the championship, Abdusattorov needed to win with the black pieces against Dmitry Andreikin to keep his title hopes alive.However, Abdusattorov’s ambitious approach backfired as he fell against Andreikin in 37 moves. This result meant Firouzja’s draw with Erigaisi was enough to seal the crown.Erigaisi played with the white pieces and tried to create chances to win, but Firouzja handled the pressure superbly. The two players eventually settled for a draw after 41 moves in the end rook and pawn, with the Indian grandmaster unable to find a realistic path to victory.The Chennai Grand Masters featured eight Grand Masters competing in a round-robin format, with a total prize money of Rs 75 lakh and valuable FIDE Circuit points.

Gukesh’s tough run continues

While Firouzja celebrated a memorable triumph, it was a tournament to forget for reigning world champion D. Gukesh.The Chennai youngster struggled to find his rhythm throughout the tournament, losing three out of seven matches to finish bottom of the table with just two points.Gukesh managed to avoid another defeat in the final round by drawing with Hans Niemann, but it was not enough to lift him from eighth place in the final standings.The result marked a historic rise for the 20-year-old, who has enjoyed a historic rise over the past year after becoming the youngest world chess champion.

Andreikin finishes undefeated, Erigaisi among the runners-up

Andreikin finished the tournament as the only undefeated player besides Firouzji, finishing with four points after defeating Abdusattorov in the final round.Erigaisi also finished with four points, while Abdusattorov, Nihal Sarin and M Pranesh shared fourth place with 3.5 points.According to the results of the last round, Gukesh tied with Niemann, Nihal Sarin tied with Pranesh, Firouzja tied with Erigaisi and Andreikin defeated Abdusatorov.