GM Arjun Erigaisi secured a victory in the Chennai Grand Masters 2026, marking the first win by an Indian player in this prestigious chess tournament. Defeating GM Hans Niemann of the USA in the third round at The Westin Chennai Velachery Hotel, Arjun dominated the game and forced his opponent to resign after 43 moves.
The tournament features eight grandmasters competing in a round-robin format, offering a prize purse of Rs 75,00,000 along with valuable FIDE Circuit points. Arjun’s triumph elevated him to the second position in the standings with 2 points, trailing half a point behind GM Alireza Firouzja, who managed to draw against GM Nihal Sarin after winning the initial two rounds.
In another match, Chess Influencer Suthershun Asokan, known as Goofygenchess on Instagram, made the opening move in the game between world champion D. Gukesh and GM Dmitry Andreikin. Despite his efforts to break his opponent’s defense, Gukesh settled for a draw after 54 moves, leaving only the kings on the board.
M. Pranesh also settled for a draw against GM Nodirbek Abdusattorov after 27 moves due to limited winning opportunities. The results of Round 3 saw GM Arjun Erigaisi defeating GM Hans Niemann, while GM M Pranesh drew with GM Nodirbek Abdusattorov, GM D Gukesh drew with GM Dmitry Andreikin, and GM Nihal Sarin drew with GM Alireza Firouzja.
The upcoming Round 4 will witness matchups between GM Hans Niemann and GM Alireza Firouzja, GM Dmitry Andreikin and GM Nihal Sarin, GM Nodirbek Abdusattorov and GM D Gukesh, and GM Arjun Erigaisi and GM M Pranesh.
