Arjun Erigaisi overcame his Chess World Cup disappointment on Wednesday, defeating Viswanathan Anand in an all-Indian final at the Jerusalem Masters 2025. Erigaisi took the title and a massive sum of USD 55,000.
It was an easy affair for Erigaisi as the first two Rapid games ended in a draw, and the title had to be decided via tie-breakers. Erigaisi ended up beating Anand in the first Blitz game.
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Erigaisi had a bittersweet experience in Goa last month, as he fell to a quarterfinal exit at the World Cup. He lost to runner-up Wei Yi in the quarters. Meanwhile, Wei lost to Javokhir Sindarov in the final.
The Jerusalem Masters also featured ex-World Cup winner Peter Svidler and Ian Nepomniachtchi among the contestants. Anand beat the Russian GM in the semifinals, and Erigaisi defeated Svidler.
Speaking after beating Anand, Erigaisi said, “It wasn’t easy, definitely. There were a lot of challenges and my quality wasn’t the best, but I am glad I managed to make it through and today both matches were very tense with Anand sir. First game, we both missed our chances and Blitz, I think I played quite well.”
{{/usCountry}}Speaking after beating Anand, Erigaisi said, “It wasn’t easy, definitely. There were a lot of challenges and my quality wasn’t the best, but I am glad I managed to make it through and today both matches were very tense with Anand sir. First game, we both missed our chances and Blitz, I think I played quite well.”
{{/usCountry}}"During the game, I was very worried. I knew I was winning and I knew I messed it. So, I was definitely worried. But okay, all I had to do was to fight back and that is what I was trying to do," he added.
In the final, Anand played with black pieces in the first game. The game ended in a draw as both players made many blunders. Both players recovered in the next game, but didn't take many risks, resulting in a draw. In the first game of the tie-breaker, Erigaisi reigned supreme, winning the Blitz match in 45 moves with the white pieces.