Vidit Gujrathi and Raunak Sadhwani win the Maharashtra Challenge Match 2023
by Shahid Ahmed - 08/06/2023
Vidit Gujrathi and Raunak Sadhwani won Maharashtra Challenge Match 2023. They both dominated their respective opponents Peter Svidler and Nigel Short. Raunak won the match with six games and a day to spare, Vidit clinched it with four games left on the final day. The India no.3 won ₹1000000, while Svidler received ₹600000. The teenager Raunak received ₹300000, while the veteran Short got ₹200000. Raunak dominated all three formats - Classical, Rapid and Blitz. Vidit scored more in Classical and Rapid events. Svidler was better in Blitz. This was a FIDE-Rated event, so both Vidit and Raunak won some valuable Elo rating points, apart from gaining a wealth of experience in their home state of Maharashtra. The match was held at Raunak's home city of Nagpur. Photos: Sagar Shah
A grand finish
Both Vidit Gujrathi and Raunak Sadhwani lived up to all expectations and delivered. While Raunak completely decimated his opponent in all three formats, Vidit was dominant in Classical and Rapid formats. This was the first elite-level match to take place in India since the Anand-Carlsen World Championship Match which happened in Chennai in November 2013. India's fourth GM in history, the legendary Abhijit Kunte was present at the closing ceremony along with other guests.
Vidit Gujrathi and Raunak Sadhwani are the winners of Maharashtra Challenge Match 2023
The four Maharashtra Challenge Match participants (L to R) - GM Nigel Short, GM Vidit Gujrathi, GM Peter Svidler and GM Raunak Sadhwani
India's fourth GM in history - Abhijit Kunte flanked by the Maharashtra Challenge Match winners - Vidit Gurjathi and Raunak Sadhwani
The Arbiters with the MCM participants (L to R) - IA Swapnil Bansod, GM Nigel Short, GM Vidit Gujrathi, GM Peter Svidler, GM Raunak Sadhwani, IA Ravichandran V and IA Vivek Sohani
Maharashtra Challenge Match organizing team, officials and guests with the four participants
Replay all Maharashtra Challenge Match games in interactive format and learn from IM Sagar Shah at Chessranga.
Vidit - Svidler: 17.5-10.5
Classical: 7.5-4.5
Rapid: 7-1
Blitz: 3-5
Vidit Gujrathi is so strong! - Game 1
| Video: ChessBase India
Vidit Gujrathi on how he found the beautiful move c5!! against Peter Svidler in Game 1
| Video: ChessBase India
Peter Svidler on beating Vidit and making a comeback | Classical Game 2
| Video: ChessBase India
Peter Svidler's mind blowing combination vs Vidit Gujrathi | Game 2
| Video: ChessBase India
Just 23 moves??!! | Vidit Gujrathi vs Peter Svidler | Game 3
| Video: ChessBase India
Vidit Gujrathi on beating Peter Svidler in 23 moves | Game 3
| Video: ChessBase India
The most animated post game analysis between two super GMs - Vidit Gujrathi and Peter Svidler
| Video: ChessBase India
Vidit is a rook and bishop down in the final position against Svidler | Game 4
| Video: ChessBase India
Peter Svidler plays the Pirc against Vidit Gujrathi | Blitz Game 1
| Video: ChessBase India
Time!! | Peter Svidler vs Vidit Gujrathi, Blitz Game no.2
| Video: ChessBase India
Vidit is so upset with his draw offer | Vidit vs Svidler | Blitz Game 3
| Video: ChessBase India
Vidit Gujrathi richer by Rs. 10 lakh as he beats Svidler to win the Maharashtra Challenge Match | Video: ChessBase India
Raunak - Short: 20-8
Classical: 7.5-4.5
Rapid: 5-3
Blitz: 7.5-0.5
A back rank mate!! Nigel Short vs Raunak Sadhwani | Game 1
"I am a dinosaur from the analog age!" - Nigel Short after his win over Raunak in Game 2
Nigel Short's French love! vs Raunak Sadhwani | Game 2
Raunak Sadhwani embodies the spirit of Tigran Petrosian against Nigel Short | Game 3
Nigel, that's too slow | Short vs Raunak Sadhwani | Blitz Game 1
Raunak Sadhwani beats Nigel Short with 6 games to spare in Maharashtra Challenge Match
Raunak Sadhwani beats Nigel Short in just 27 moves | Blitz Game 2
