D Gukesh triumphed in the Tata Steel Chess Tournament 2025 opener against Anish Giri, despite Giri's early advantage. Gukesh's strategic play led to a victory following a pivotal mistake by Giri.

Dutchman Anish Giri played out an easy draw on his 30th birthday against Russian Ian Nepomniachtchi with both players giving nothing away and this was also the first game to end in the day.

First, D Gukesh won his first game as the reigning world champion, defeating Anish ... draw, but Gukesh used up plenty of time in a Catalan Opening: Closed beginning to the game. Gukesh and Giri ...

"In the Masters, players like Fabiano Caruana remain favourites due to their track records. Anish Giri, with his consistency and home-ground advantage, is another strong name," he explained.

D Gukesh triumphed in the Tata Steel Chess Tournament 2025 opener against Anish Giri, despite Giri's early advantage. Gukesh's strategic play led to a victory following a pivotal mistake by Giri.