MVL’s dominant performance at Tata Steel Chess India Rapid
Author: Maria Fragaki
Maxime Vachier-Lagrave won the 2023 Tata Steel Chess India Rapid in a remarkable fashion, with a commanding total of 7 points. His performance throughout the tournament remained untarnished, as he emerged undefeated, and with a notable lead of 1½ points from Radjabov, the clear second of the event with 5½ points.
GM Maxime Vachier-Lagrave emerged as the undisputed champion of the 5th Tata Steel India Chess Rapid tournament. The French grandmaster demonstrated remarkable consistency and skill throughout the event, setting a strong initial pace on the tournament’s inception.
On the inaugural day, he notched a pivotal victory alongside two draws, and his performance only escalated as the three-day competition unfolded. The second day witnessed Vachier-Lagrave’s dominance, with two wins and a single draw, further solidifying his standing. In a display of unwavering determination, he concluded the tournament on the last day with another 2½ points, culminating in an impressive total of 7 points amassed over the course of 9 rounds, and even winning the event with a round to spare.
In a testament to his formidable competition, Teimour Radjabov secured an impressive second place finish, concluding the tournament with a commendable 5½ points. Notably, the trio of Praggnanandha Rameshbabu, Alexander Grischuk, and Vidit Gujrathi displayed their prowess on the board, each accumulating a total of 5 points. Their performance in the tournament underscored the high level of skill and competitiveness that characterized this prestigious chess event.