Arjun Erigaisi becomes 1st semifinalist at Freestyle Grand Slam in Las Vegas

In Chess, Indian Grandmaster Arjun Erigaisi has become the first player to secure a semifinal spot at the Freestyle Grand Slam in Las Vegas. The 21-year-old defeated Uzbekistan’s Nodirbek Abdusattorov with an impressive 1.5-0.5 victory in the quarterfinals.

 

Earlier, Erigaisi came close to winning the first classical game, but Abdusattorov showed impressive defensive skills



to hold a draw. In the second game, however, the Uzbek grandmaster was unable to recover after sacrificing material early in the opening. Arjun maintained control throughout and gradually converted his advantage into a full point.

With this win, Arjun is now one step closer to the championship title as he prepares for the semifinals.