Anish Giri scored a second consecutive win to become the sole leader at the Tata Steel Masters in Wijk aan Zee. The defending champion defeated Gukesh D. with the white pieces. Two more games ended decisively in round 4: Wei Yi beat Parham Maghsoodloo, while Praggnanadhaa R. got the better of Ding Liren Pragg had also beat Ding in the 2023 edition. In the Challengers, Hans Niemann, Anton Korobov and Erwin l’Ami are sharing the lead after winning their games on Tuesday. | Photo: Tata Steel Chess Tournament / Lennart Ootes
Defending champion Anish Giri joined Alireza Firouzja in the lead of the Tata Steel Masters after beating Alexander Donchenko with the black pieces. Full points were also scored by Ding Liren, Nodirbek Abdusattorov and Jorden van Foreest all three grabbed their first wins of the event. In the Challengers, six players are sharing first place with 2/3 points following a round that saw five out of seven games ending decisively. | Photo: Tata Steel Chess Tournament / Jurriaan Hoefsmit
Alireza Firouzja became the first sole leader in this year’s Tata Steel Masters after beating Parham Maghsoodloo with white in the second round the Frenchman is the only player who started the event with back-to-back victories. Gukesh D. and Max Warmerdam also grabbed wins on Sunday. Meanwhile, in the Challengers, five players are sharing first place with 1½/2 points. | Photo: Tata Steel Chess Tournament / Lennart Ootes
Editor's note: This story first appeared in the January 2024 issue of Chess Life Magazine. Consider becoming a US Chess member for more content like this access to digital editions of both Chess Life and Chess Life Kids is a member benefit, and you can receive print editions of both magazines for a small add-on fee.
Magnus Carlsen is missing from this year's Tata Steel Chess, but World Champion Ding Liren has returned from his sabbatical. Otherwise, the Masters and Challengers are once again very colourful, with superstars, women and young talented players. The tournament starts in a week's time. | Photo: Tata Steel Chess