The Chennai Grand Masters 2023 got off to a splendid start. Just when it seemed like the first round would end up being victorless, Pentala Harikrishna and Pavel Eljanov proved those predictions wrong. Arjun Erigaisi (Harikrishna’s opponent) made a significant mistake early in the game. It made him defend the better part of the battle. Eventually he missed his final opportunity to salvage a half point, which cost him the game. Parham Maghsoodloo (Eljanov’s opponent) made a huge blunder in a rook and two pawns endgame which was seemingly heading towards a draw. | All photos are by Shahid Ahmed unless specified otherwise.
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In the rapid section of the Tata Steel India Tournament, Ju Wenjun was outscored by Divya Deshmukh. In blitz, however, the women’s world champion was the strongest and won with 12½/ out of 18 points, finishing ahead of Humpy Koneru and Harika Dronavalli. | Photo: Vivek Sohani