Five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand shot into the lead at the end of three rounds of the Rapid segment at the 2023 Grand Chess Tour in Zagreb, Croatia. Anand defeated GMs Richard Rapport and Constantin Lupulescu on Thursday, after starting with a draw against young Alireza Firouzja.
Anand’s performance has been a surprise to many, as he has not been at the top of his game in recent years. However, he has shown flashes of his old brilliance in recent months, and he is now in a strong position to challenge for the title.
Anand is not the only Indian player in contention for the title. Young GM D Gukesh is also in good form, and he is currently in fifth place. Gukesh has drawn with world number one Magnus Carlsen and world number three Ian Nepomniachtchi, and he will be looking to build on his good start in the coming rounds.
The other Indian players in the field are Pentala Harikrishna and Vidit Gujrathi. Harikrishna is currently in seventh place, while Gujrathi is in ninth place. Both players will need to improve their performances if they want to challenge for the title.
The Grand Chess Tour is a series of four tournaments that take place throughout the year. The winner of the series will be the player who accumulates the most points. The next tournament in the series will be held in Paris in September.
Anand will be looking to continue his good form in Paris and challenge for the title. He knows that he will have to be at his best if he wants to win, but he is confident that he can do it.
“I am feeling good about my game,” Anand said. “I have been working hard, and I am starting to see the results. I am confident that I can challenge for the title in Paris.”
The Grand Chess Tour is a prestigious event, and it is a great opportunity for Anand to prove that he is still one of the best players in the world. He will be looking to make the most of his opportunity, and he will be hoping to add another title to his impressive resume.