Vidit Gujrathi, Vaishali R claim titles at FIDE Grand Swiss chess event; seal spots at Candidates tournament | Chess News

There was a dual cause for celebration for Indian chess on Sunday as Vidit Gujrathi and R Vaishali claimed the two titles on offer at the FIDE Grand Swiss chess event at the Isle of Man. Both players will also be competing at the prestigious Candidates Tournament early next year in Toronto courtesy of their exploits at the FIDE Grand Swiss chess event.
The Candidates tournament is held to find a worthy challenger to the reigning world champion.
For Vidit, the title was a remarkable achievement, particularly since he started the 11-round event with a defeat. But he sealed his title with a convincing victory against Alexandr Predke in the last round on Sunday which handed him the top spot in the standings with 8.5 points out of a possible 11 points.
“Without a doubt, this is the highlight of my career so far! It had been a really long time since I had won any tournament, even rapid or blitz. So, to win such a strong event, it will take something like winning the FIDE Candidates to top it. It was always one of my goals to play in the FIDE Candidates, and it is a very hard cycle to qualify, so I am happy!” Vidit told the YouTube channel of FIDE after his triumph.
“After losing the first game in such an important tournament, and then I had to score 8.5 out of 10 games. I wouldn’t have bet on myself back then (after defeat in the opening round),” he added.
Vidit’s stunning title earned him plaudits from other GMs as well.
“Amongst the Indians, he is the player who is overlooked all the time because of Praggnanandhaa, Arjun Erigaisi, Gukesh D and Nihal Sarin. He gets lost amongst the others so it’s nice to see him shining for once,” said Hikaru Nakamura about Vidit after he held Arjun to a draw in the process denying the Indian a spot in the Candidates but securing his own position in the event. Arjun ended the tournament fourth with 7.5 points.
“Congratulations to Vidit for winning the FIDE Grand Swiss and qualifying for the Candidates! He handled the pressure the best on the final day,” tweeted five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand.
Vaishali’s triumph
Elsewhere in the women’s event, Vaishali had already sealed her entry into the Women’s Candidates event on Saturday. Her brother Praggnanandhaa has already secured his spot in the open Candidates tournament ending second at the FIDE World Cup earlier this year. Most Read
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Vaishali drew her final game against Batkhuyag Munguntuul on Sunday.
“This tournament is the biggest win in my career so far; it was such an experience!” Vaishali said on Sunday.
Her brother Pragg added: “Even before the game, I was in a celebratory mood! I am happy to see that she (Vaishali) finally is where she belongs… I am happy to see that the results are finally coming!”