Why is Magnus Carlsen coming to Kolkata after five years? find out
Xtra Time Web Desk: Chess superstar Magnus Carlsen is set to make his return to Tata Steel Chess India for its sixth edition, held in Kolkata from 13 to 17 November 2024. Carlsen, who won the tournament on his debut in 2019, will be aiming for his second title after five years. However, the reigning world No. 1 will face tough competition from India’s rising stars, including Arjun Erigaisi, R Praggnanandhaa, and Vidit Gujrathi. These players were part of the Indian team that secured double gold in the Chess Olympiad in Hungary. Nihal Sarin and S L Narayanan will also represent India in the open section.
The event will follow a ‘Rapid and Blitz’ format, featuring two categories: 'Open' and 'Women.' In the women’s section, World No. 5 Aleksandra Goryachkin of Russia will lead the field, with Koneru Humpy, R Vaishali, Dronavalli Harika, Divya Deshmukh, and Vantika Agrawal representing India. Apart from Humpy, the rest of the Indian contingent also contributed to the historic gold in the 45th Chess Olympiad.
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Indian chess icon Viswanathan Anand will continue his role as the tournament ambassador, and the event will offer equal prize money for both categories.
“Looking forward to being back at Tata Steel Chess India. It has become the marquee event in India. This year brings the best of the world headed by Magnus Carlsen.
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“I am particularly excited that the women’s event will have the best of Indian chess. This year has been a celebration of Indian chess and this event will be a fitting tribute,” Anand said.
Open: Magnus Carlsen (Norway), Nodirbek Abdusattorov (Uzbekistan), Wesley So (USA), Vincent Keymer (Germany), Daniil Dubov (FIDE), Arjun Erigaisi (India), R. Praggnanandhaa (India), Vidit Gujrathi (India), Nihal Sarin (India), S.L. Narayanan (India).
Women: Aleksandra Goryachkina (FIDE), Kateryna Lagno (FIDE), Alexandra Kosteniuk (Switzerland), Nana Dzagnidze (Georgia), Valentina Gunina (FIDE), Koneru Humpy (India), R. Vaishali (India), Harika Dronavalli (India), Divya Deshmukh (India), Vantika Agrawal (India).
