Rising Stars Shine Bright at Tata Steel Chess India Rapid

Young grandmaster Abdusattorov Nodirbek leads the Tata Steel Chess India Rapid event, followed by chess champion Magnus Carlsen in the open section. Indian player Vantika Agrawal shares the lead in the women's section. With six more rounds left, players have a chance to excel before the Blitz rounds.

In a spectacular display at the Tata Steel Chess India Rapid tournament, Uzbekistan's grandmaster Abdusattorov Nodirbek emerged as the sole leader in the open section. Nodirbek scored 2.5 points, defeating Germany's Vincent Keymer and India's R Praggnanandhaa, and drawing with Daniil Dubov.

Meanwhile, reigning World No 1 Magnus Carlsen had a strong start. Carlsen drew his initial matches against India's Praggnanandhaa and Nihal Sarin, later winning against Vidit Gujrathi. This performance placed him in joint second with two points, sharing the spot with India's S.L. Narayanan.

The women's section saw Indian talent Vantika Agrawal sharing the lead with Aleksandra Goryachkina and Kateryna Lagno. Agrawal defeated Valentina Gunina and drew her games with Alexkandra Kosteniuk and Nana Dzagnidze. The competition remains fierce as six more rounds are still to play before the Blitz rounds begin.

(With inputs from agencies.)