HEADLINE OF THE WEEK
Praggnanandhaa bests Gukesh in thrilling Playoffs to clinch 87th Tata Steel Masters
How would you react after losing the final round and first tie-break games? R Praggnanandhaa needed a draw in the final round to become a clear champion as the World Champion, D Gukesh lost to compatriot and World no.4, Arjun Erigaisi. Praggnanandhaa suffered defeat against Vincent Keymer (GER) and then also went down against Gukesh in the first tie-break game. However, he regrouped himself, won the second tie-break and then the sudden death game. In 2006, Vishy Anand jointly won this event with Veselin Topalov (BUL). His last solo triumph was in 2004, back then it was named Corus tournament instead of Tata Steel. A little over 19 years later, Praggnanandhaa became the second Indian to win the 'Wimbledon of chess' and once again solidified himself as one of the top players of the world. Photo: Lennart Ootes/Tata Steel Chess Tournament 2025
THE WOODPECKER METHOD 2 IS HERE!
Since its publication in 2018, The Woodpecker Method has been the go-to manual among chess players with a thirst for tactical improvement. The Woodpecker Method 2 is the long-awaited sequel, designed to skyrocket your positional decision-making skills! The Woodpecker Method means solving a large number of puzzles over a period of weeks; then solving the same puzzles repeatedly, faster each time. The Woodpecker Method 2 has 1000 positional exercises and solutions, with detailed guidance on how to gain maximum benefit from them. All the exercises have been checked and rechecked using the latest engines, as well as tested for valuable human feedback – among others by GM Nodirbek Abdusattorov, who ascended to 4th in the world rankings after working through this book!
Today, we have a very special offer on this wonderful book - use the coupon code "WOODPECKER10" to avail a 10% discount on The Woodpecker Method 2 by Axel Smith! This offer is valid till 15th February 2025 - so hurry up and get your copy now!
LATEST NEWS OF THE WEEK
Freestyle Grand Slam Tour Stage 1: Carlsen slayers Caruana and Sindarov emerge coleaders
Freestyle Grand Slam Tour Stage 1 is off to a great start. Fabiano Caruana (USA) and Javokhir Sindarov (UZB) have emerged coleaders 4.5/5. Both of them defeated the Magnus Carlsen (NOR). Vladimir Fedoseev (SLO) was the only other player to beat the World no.1. Alireza Firouzja (FRA) is at a full point behind the leaders at 3.5/5 each. He is the only player who managed to beat the World Champion, D Gukesh. Nodirbek Abdusattorov (UZB) has made a 50% start 2.5/5. Carlsen, Gukesh, Hikaru Nakamura (USA) and Vincent Keymer (GER) are at 2/5 each. Round 6 starts today from 1 p.m. local time, 5:30 p.m. IST. Photo: Abhyudaya Ram
Diptayan Ghosh best at 29th Hit Open 2025
GM Diptayan Ghosh scored an unbeaten 8/7 to win 29th Hit Open A (>1600) 2025. He finished a staggering one and a half point ahead of the rest. FM Dejan Omorjan (SRB), GM Matej Sebenik (SLO) and FM Rudi Olenik Campa (SLO) scored 6.5/9 each. They were placed second, third and fourth respectively according to tie-breaks. The top three prizes were €1000, €750 and €500 each. The eight-day nine-round Swiss League Rating Open tournament was organized by Chess club Nova Gorica, Slovenia at Perla, Resort & Entertainment in Nova Gorica, Slovenia from 24th to 31st January 2025. This is the second tournament Diptayan played this year and he won it in a dominant fashion. Photo: RTV Slovenia
Sharan Rao triumphs at Big Rook Chinese New Year Open 2025
IM Sharan Rao scored an unbeaten 6/7 to win Big Rook Chinese New Year Open 2025. He finished a half point ahead of the competition. 13-year-old Rumi Arjuna Malique Cairel Adrin (MAS) scored 5.5/7 to secure second place. Bei Er (CHN) and FM Poompong Wiwatanadate (THA) scored 5/7 each. They were placed third and fourth respectively according to tie-breaks. The total prize fund was THB 30000 (≈ ₹77643) + trophies, medals and certificates. The top three prizes were THB 5000 + trophy, 3000 and 2400 each. Louie Salvador (PHI) won the Blitz Rating Open scoring 8/9. FM Jony Habla (PHI) finished second 7.5/9. Sharan secured third place 7/9. The top three prizes in Blitz were THB 1400 + trophy, 1000 and 700 each. This was Sharan's second overall, first rating tournament triumph of the year. Photo: Big Rook Chess Academy, Bangkok
Vedant Panesar victorious at Tata Steel Qualifiers 2025
FM Vedant Panesar scored an unbeaten 6/9 to win Tata Steel Chess Qualifiers 2025. This triumph earned him a place in the Challengers section of 2026 edition. He finished a half point ahead of the field. FM Leandro Slagboom (NED) and FM Tim Grutter (NED) scored 5.5/9 each. They secured second and third place respectively. The top three prizes were New in Chess book voucher worth €90, €60 and €40 each respectively. More than the prize fund, advancing to the Challengers is a big deal for the champion. This is the first tournament triumph for Vedant in 2025. Photo: Lennart Ootes/Tata Steel Chess Tournament 2025
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