Daijiworld Media Network – Netherlands

Netherlands, Jan 19: Reigning world chess champion and 18-year-old prodigy D Gukesh started his 2025 season with an emphatic victory at the Tata Steel Masters in the Netherlands, defeating Dutch grandmaster Anish Giri in a dramatic opening-round match on Sunday.

This was Gukesh’s first classical game since his historic triumph over Ding Liren at the World Chess Championship in Singapore, and the Indian star did not disappoint. Despite arriving just hours before the game and showing signs of jet lag with an early blunder, Gukesh staged a brilliant comeback.

The match seemed to be slipping away from Gukesh as Giri, a former World No 3, took an early lead. However, Gukesh's trademark resilience and sharp defensive tactics turned the tide, forcing Giri into complex decisions. Unable to capitalize on his strong start, Giri faltered, paving the way for Gukesh’s victory.

In a widely shared video on social media, Giri’s frustration and despair were evident as he realized the game had slipped from his grasp. Fans and chess enthusiasts took to social media to celebrate Gukesh’s win, with praise pouring in from current and former players.

American grandmaster Hikaru Nakamura lauded Gukesh’s defensive brilliance on his YouTube channel, saying, “It’s really a heartbreaker for Anish. But on the flip side, Gukesh defended resiliently under time pressure. You have to give him credit for putting Anish to the test.”

Nakamura also highlighted the significance of Gukesh’s victory, noting, “The world champion gets a win in his first classical game since his epic victory over Ding Liren in Singapore. Exciting start to the tournament.”

The Tata Steel Masters marks the first major challenge of Gukesh’s season as the youngest-ever world chess champion continues to make waves in the global chess arena.