After a slow start of 1.5/5, Vidit scored his first victory, defeating GM Nijat Abasov by building up pressure on the enemy kingside and breaking through tactically.

In the last 11 rounds, Vidit went on an undefeated ramage, scoring seven wins and four draws points. It was the penultimate round when Vidit pulled ahead of the previous leader, Arjun, with a win vs. GM Aydin Suleymanli. Vidit pressed in a winning same-color bishop ending with his pawns classically better by being on the opposite color. Yet, for a brief moment in the time scramble finish, Suleymanli had a chance to turn the tables. 

In the last round, Vidit defeated GM Rauf Mamedov on demand, matching Arjun’s victory, to maintain his lead. Entering the endgame with a level position, Vidit built up an overwhelming advantage. 

Champion!🔥😎
Thrilled to make a comeback on the last day and win the Vugar Gashimov Memorial. pic.twitter.com/dAya9yf3Pt

— Vidit Gujrathi (@viditchess) December 11, 2023

Arjun led for a majority of the blitz tournament. His all-in grapple for the initiative vs. Mamedyarov in round three is our Game of the Day, analyzed by GM Rafael Leitao below.

Arjun defeated Abasov with a picturesque tactic. Can you find it in the puzzle below?

Black to move.

No sign of Rapport’s last place finish in the rapid showed in his blitz games. He scored twelve points along with Vidit, who he outscored in their head-to-head encounters: 1.5/2. He won his game with the black pieces with a tactical bolt.

Rapport achieved a miniature victory vs. GM Jorden van Foreest with a stunning finish.

Balancing tactical and strategic chess, Rapport gained the upper hand vs. Mamedyarov with a positional combination.

Rapid winner, Suleymanli, ended up tying for fifth overall. His double-edged style of play led to many topsy-turvy near wins. When he faced Arjun with white, the 18-year-old grandmaster had a unique tactical opportunity. Can you find the creative idea he initially overlooked?

White to move.

Crosstable – Blitz