Both Arjun Erigaisi and Levon Aronian remained undefeated in the rapid event. The highly anticipated encounter between them ended in a draw. Although Arjun had a substantial advantage, the tournament situation did not require him to push for a full point. They will face each other in the blitz event at least twice on Monday and Tuesday.
Apart from Vishy Anand, Arjun Erigaisi is the only other Indian who has a 2700+ rating in all three formats of the game.
Arjun Erigaisi is now ranked as world number 24 in the live ratings list for rapid chess | Source: 2700chess.com
Arjun Erigaisi had never faced the 14th world champion Vladimir Kramnik in a rated game before their encounter on Saturday. The tournament leader had all the momentum and form on his side. Starting his third consecutive day with a win would definitely set the tone before facing Levon Aronian in the penultimate round.
18.b3 forced Black to give up the b5-pawn. There are various ways for Black to deal with the attack on the knight. There followed 18...Nd6 19.Nxb5 Bxb5 20.Bxb5+ Ke7 21.Rfc1 and eventually the extra b-pawn played a crucial role in White’s conversion of his advantage.
Full game: Arjun vs Kramnik | Video: ChessBase India
Round 9 in progress | Photo: Aditya Sur Roy
After drawing Levon Aronian in round 10, Arjun Erigaisi faced Kateryna Lagno, a former women’s world rapid champion, in the final round of the rapid event.
Black was at a critical juncture. Which endgame to choose? Queen and knight, rook and knight or just knight endgame? The correct answer is: rook and knight endgame. However, Black went for a knight endgame. It did not go well for her — 40...Rxe2 41.Kxe2 Qxf3+ 42.Nxf3 Nxc5 43.Nd4 b4 44.Nc6 and White went on to win the game.
Arjun Erigaisi defeated Kateryna Lagno to win the rapid event and gain a 1½-point lead heading into the blitz | Photo: Aditya Sur Roy
Arjun Erigaisi signs autographs for the young fans | Photo: Aditya Sur Roy
A tour of the venue, the Hilton Astana Hotel | Video: ChessBase India
