Indian chess players, Vaishali Rameshbabu and Vidit Gujrathi, emerged as the winners of the FIDE Women’s Grand Swiss 2023 and the FIDE Grand Swiss respectively, held at the Villa Marina, Douglas, Isle of Man on November 6.
Both players not only clinched the top titles but also secured positions in the upcoming 2024 Candidates Tournament scheduled to take place in Toronto. Rameshbabu finished with 8.5 points, topping the women’s chart while Gujrathi topped the men’s with the same 8.5 score.
The FIDE Grand Swiss and FIDE Women’s Grand Swiss 2023, served as significant qualifying events for the World Championship cycle. With a total prize fund of $600,000, the event saw 164 players in attendance from across the globe.
“With the prize money, I will buy some gifts for my parents, some phones. This is what comes to my mind, then probably a nice vacation for them; that would be nice. For my sister as well…For myself, I will probably get a new laptop because mine is really old, and it barely works, so to start, I will update my electronics,” Gujarati said about his plans for the prize money in an interview with FIDE.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, extended his congratulations to Gujrathi and Rameshbabu. He wrote on X, “A moment of immense pride as India takes the top spot in the FIDE Grand Swiss Open. Congratulations to @viditchess and @chessVaishali for their outstanding victories, and for securing their spots in the prestigious 2024 Candidates, to be held in Toronto. This is yet another instance of Indian prowess in Chess. India is truly elated.”
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