Chess: Adhiban comes of age with third place finish in Holland

Chennai: B. Adhiban had the lowest rating of 2653 elo points among the 14 participants at the Tata Steel chess tournament in Wijk aan Zee, the Netherlands, but the Indian Grandmaster had the greatest impact as he finished a splendid third.

It was no mean achievement because Adhiban, 25, finished ahead of three top-10 players — Sergey Karjakin (8), Levon Aronian (9) and Anish Giri (10). No wonder the chess ace from Chennai called it the “greatest” of his career. “I feel it is the beginning of something great,” Adhiban said.

Filipino-born Wesley So who represents the USA now won the 13-round tournament on Sunday by extending his unbeaten streak to 56 games. He finished with nine points, ahead of world champion Magnus Carlsen (8 points). In a three-way tie for the third place, Adhiban edged out Chinese prodigy Wei Yi and Aronian.

Adhiban came of age in the high-quality tournament as he remained undefeated against five top-10 opponents including So and Carlsen. At 102, he was the only player in the field outside 100 in world ranking but that didn’t prevent him from pulling off an upset win over Karjakin in Round Five.

The Russian unsuccessfully challenged Carlsen for the world title last year. “The win over Karjakin was the highlight of the tournament for me because it gave me the confidence that I could beat the best,” Adhiban said.

The former national champion said his primary goal ahead of the tournament was to finish with a plus score in rating. Did the fact that he was the lowest rated player help him play without pressure? “I was the last seed but that didn’t stop me from being ambitious because I always felt I had the potential but somehow missed the chances to prove myself.

“It was my first outing with the elite players. After my performance, I have realised that ranking doesn’t matter if I can bring out the best in me,” Adhiban said.

What does Adhiban think of the champion? “I have been playing with Wesley So since my childhood and I have always felt that he has something special.

“I’m happy that he has become such a strong player. I am looking forward to my next encounter with him. At this point he does seem like a worthy challenger to Carlsen,” Adhiban  said.

Maybe, So will have to cross swords with Adhiban one day as the Chennai GM feels that he is on track to have a crack at the world championship.

His superb show in the Netherlands has only steeled his resolve.