Nihal holds off Vishy to clinch title

Young Indian Grandmaster Nihal Sarin emerged champion at the Tata Steel Chess India tournament Friday, clinching the Rapid title just a day after the passing of his maternal grandfather, who had introduced him to the sport.

- PRESS TRUST OF INDIA

Nihal sealed the ‘Open title in Round 9 with a calm draw against five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand. The result confirmed the 21-year-old Nihal's first-place finish with 6.5 points.

‘Anand took the second spot with six points, while Arjun Erigaisi, a double bronze medallist at the World Rapid and Blitz Championships in Doha recently, completed the podium with with five points.

"Yesterday night I got the news that my maternal grand-master who taught me chess, had passed away. I would like to dedicate this tournament victory to him," Nihal said.