Vidit and Raunak clinch Maharashtra Challenge Match

by Shahid Ahmed
6/11/2023 – Vidit Gujrathi and Raunak Sadhwani won Maharashtra Challenge Match 2023. They both dominated their respective opponents, Peter Svidler and Nigel Short. Raunak won the match with six games and a day to spare, Vidit clinched it with four games left on the final day. Raunak dominated all three formats - Classical, Rapid and Blitz. Vidit scored more in Classical and Rapid events. Svidler was better in Blitz. Full report with videos and photos by Sagar Shah.
YOUR PERSONAL CHESS COACH - Whether you’re taking your first steps into the world of club chess, or already playing at a tournament level: with FRITZ, you can train more efficiently, intelligently and with a more personalised approach than ever before.
FRITZ is more than just a chess engine – it’s a training revolution! Whether you’re taking your first steps into the world of club chess, or already playing at a tournament level: with FRITZ, you can train more efficiently, intelligently and with a more personalised approach than ever before.

The India no.3, Vidit, won ₹1,000,000, while Svidler received ₹600,000. The teenager Raunak received ₹300,000, while the veteran Short got ₹200,000. This was a FIDE-Rated event, so both Vidit and Raunak won some valuable Elo rating points, apart from gaining a wealth of experience in their home state of Maharashtra. The match was held at Raunak's home city of Nagpur.

A grand finish

Both Vidit Gujrathi and Raunak Sadhwani lived up to all expectations and delivered. While Raunak completely decimated his opponent in all three formats, Vidit was dominant in Classical and Rapid formats. This was the first elite-level match to take place in India since the Anand-Carlsen World Championship Match, which happened in Chennai in November 2013. India's fourth GM in history, the legendary Abhijit Kunte, was present at the closing ceremony along with other guests.

Vidit Gujrathi and Raunak Sadhwani are the winners of Maharashtra Challenge Match 2023

The four Maharashtra Challenge Match participants (L to R) - GM Nigel Short, GM Vidit Gujrathi, GM Peter Svidler and GM Raunak Sadhwani

Maharashtra Challenge Match organizing team, officials and guests with the four participants

Classical games in interactive format: learn from IM Sagar Shah at Chessranga.

Vidit - Svidler: 17.5-10.5

  • Classical: 7.5-4.5
  • Rapid: 7-1
  • Blitz: 3-5

Raunak - Short: 20-8

  • Classical: 7.5-4.5
  • Rapid: 5-3
  • Blitz: 7.5-0.5

Replay all the games

There are 15 more videos on all games in this ChessBase India report.

Maharashtra Chess Association: Official site, fb page and twitter

Shahid Ahmed is the senior coordinator and editor of ChessBase India. He enjoys covering chess tournaments and also likes to play in chess events from time to time.