India’s Candidates windfall as Gukesh, Humpy make the cut

As the race for qualification for the Candidates 2024 came to a close, chess enthusiasts saw high-intensity play, culminating in some last-second strategies as players vied for the remaining slots in the tournament. The victory in this competition allows the chance to come up against the reigning world championship holder.

With guaranteed spots for Indian players Vidit Gujrathi and R. Praggnanandhaa, the focus was now on their fellow countrymen Arjun Erigaisi and D. Gukesh, as well as Alireza Firouzja and Parham Maghsoodloo. To secure a position, it was essential to triumph in a tournament with a high rating and improve their FIDE scoring.

In a bid to up his chances, Firouzja participated in rated events in France and successfully earned the necessary points to outstrip Wesley So of the USA, subsequently qualifying for a spot in the Candidates. This resonated with the journey of incumbent world champion Ding Liren from China, who, despite initial COVID-19 travel restrictions, was able to secure a slot when 26 traditional games were set up within a month by the Chinese Chess Association, enabling him to meet the qualification criteria.

The Chennai Grand Master 2023, which was held at the Leela Palace between the 15th and 21st December, was a significant point of contention. However, it wasn't the game proceedings that received global attention but concerns over timing and fairness. Critics argued that the scheduling was purposedly designed to aid specific players’ qualification chances.

Addressing this issue, Indian organisers pointed to the lack of FIDE rules against tournament timing as long as it adhered to global chess norms. Finally, a decisive clarification came from Viswanathan Anand, a five-time world champion and FIDE deputy president. He expressed his support for the system, stressing it increased the number of tournaments hosted.

The Chennai Grand Masters, with a massive average rating of 2711, became India's toughest invitational competition, breaking the former 2662 rating record set by the AAI International Grandmasters Chess Tournament 2011. The tournament saw several upsets, yet D. Gukesh emerged victorious, earning $30,000 and an almost guaranteed slot in the Candidates, subsequently surpassing Dutch GM Anish Giri in the FIDE circuit standings.

With the World Rapid & Blitz Championship 2023 as his last bid, Giri failed to make the cut whereas, in Samarkand, Magnus Carlsen continued his reign, winning both the Rapid and Blitz titles. Koneru Humpy added a silver in the Rapid Championship to the Women's Candidates qualification.

Gukesh confirmed his spot in the Candidates in Canada when Giri secured a place in the top 30, not adequate to deflect Gukesh’s qualification. Humpy also secured her spot in the Women’s Candidates while also earning a silver medal in the Rapid Championship. The Indian squad, boasting Gukesh, Vidit, and Praggnanandhaa in the men's section and R. Vaishali and Humpy in the women's division, will account for over 30% of the overall participants in the Canada tournament. It underscores India's growing influence in global chess and sets the stage for a potential legacy in the making as these competitors gear up for success on the international stage.