In a significant development, D Gukesh has overtaken Arjun Erigaisi to become the new India No. 1 in chess. Gukesh achieved this milestone after his victory over Vincent Keymer at the ongoing Tata Steel Chess Tournament in Wijk aan Zee. This win has not only elevated Gukesh’s position but also highlights the shifting dynamics in Indian chess.

The game between Gukesh and Keymer was intense, lasting 72 moves, making it the longest game of Round 5 in the Masters section. Despite a few early mistakes, Gukesh managed to outplay Keymer, who had been attempting to tire him out. The German player resigned after Gukesh gained control of the game. Gukesh’s live rating now stands at 2784, surpassing Erigaisi’s 2779.

While Gukesh’s performance has been impressive, Erigaisi’s recent form has been less than stellar. He has struggled at the tournament, losing three games and drawing twice, positioning him at the bottom of the standings. Gukesh, on the other hand, remains unbeaten with two wins and three draws, solidifying his place at the top.

However, the live ratings remain fluid, and Erigaisi could still reclaim his spot if he stages a comeback. With several rounds left in the tournament, the competition remains intense. Gukesh, though in a strong position, is not immune to the unpredictable nature of such high-level chess events.

Magnus Carlsen, despite not participating in this tournament, continues to lead the global ratings with 2832.5 Elo points. The race for the top is far from over, with Gukesh now in fourth place, just behind Carlsen, Nakamura, and Caruana.

R Praggnanandhaa has made significant progress, climbing to 10th in the live rankings, while Viswanathan Anand, a chess legend, has dropped to 11th. The younger generation of Indian chess players is certainly pushing the boundaries, but it remains to be seen if they can maintain their dominance.

This change in the chess hierarchy, where young talents like Gukesh and Praggnanandhaa are emerging, reflects the shifting dynamics of Indian chess. Yet, it also raises questions about the future of established figures like Anand, whose influence in the sport might be waning.

As the tournament progresses, these changes in rankings remind us of the ever-changing nature of competitive sports. While the rise of new stars is encouraging, it also underscores the challenges that older players face in adapting to the increasing intensity of global competition.

India’s chess scene continues to evolve, with Gukesh’s new title as the country’s No. 1 chess player marking yet another step in the nation’s growing dominance in the global chess arena.