Chennai Grand Masters 2025: Errant Vidit Gujrathi left wanting for ‘sharpness’

Chennai Grand Masters 2025 has largely been a tournament to forget for Indian Grandmaster Vidit Gujrathi.

Heading into the final round on Friday, Gujrathi has just one win – against Nihal Sarin in the third round – to show for his efforts as he looks set for a mid-table finish.

Analysing his middling performance in Chennai, Gujrathi rued the chances he missed over multiple rounds.

“It has been unorthodox, how the tournament has gone. In the middle, I had gained some form and was playing good games. I feel I started playing well from round two. But there were some costly mistakes. For example, against Anish [Giri], I played a fantastic game and should have converted,” said Gujrathi.

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The Indian GM also highlighted his struggle with the time control at the Chennai Grand Masters – 90 minutes with a 30-second increment, starting from the first move.

“Because of this time control, you don’t have that buffer of extra time after 40 moves. And that causes mistakes. I am building up the position, but I don’t have enough time to convert. That has been a recurring theme. I am the type of player who likes to think and go deep in the position,” said Gujrathi.

Gujrathi’s flailing motivation was on display on Thursday as he settled for an insipid, two-hour draw against compatriot Arjun Erigaisi in the eighth round.

“I was not really in the mood for a great fight after yesterday’s game [a tough defeat to Karthikeyan Murali]. I realised that I have no chance in the tournament. So, I was just like playing moves,” said Gujrathi.

Vidit admitted that not playing enough classical chess in 2025 has caused a drop in his sharpness, as seen at the Chennai Grand Masters.

“I think as a professional, you have to play continuously. Otherwise, you lack the sharpness. And at the top level, only small details make the difference. I have realised that I have not been playing [enough]. So, that affects the form, thinking time, etc.”

With form deserting him, Gujarati believes he is out of reckoning for the qualification race for Candidates 2026.

“I am not on the ‘road to the Candidates’ this time. I am out of the road,” added Gujrathi.