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FIDE World Rankings: 3 Indians in the top 10 for the first time ever

In a historic feat for Indian chess, three players have entered the top 10 of the FIDE world rankings. The International Chess Federation (FIDE) released their updated world rankings on Monday, July 1, which saw Indians taking a significant leap forward.

Grandmaster Arjun Erigaisi is currently the top-ranked Indian, being the World No. 4 with 2778 Elo rating points. Arjun recently lost to GM Jaime Santos in the second semi-final of the 2024 Leon Masters. His semi-final finish helped him move up four spots in the rankings from eighth position.

Meanwhile, GM Dommaraju Gukesh and GM Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa are just behind Arjun at World No. 7 and World No. 8, respectively. Notably, this is the first time ever Praggnanandhaa made it into the top 10 of world rankings after gaining 10 Elo rating points.

All India Chess Federation (AICF) president Nitin Narang took to social media to congratulate the three Indians in the top 10, marking a historic moment for Indian chess.

“Historic moment for Indian chess as, for the first time ever, three Indians are in the world’s top 10 rankings as per the July 2024 FIDE rating list! Arjun Erigaisi #4, D Gukesh #7, and R Praggnanandhaa #8. Proud of you, and keep the Bhartiya flag flying high,” wrote Nitin Narang.

Other moves for Indian chess players in FIDE world rankings

Another significant move in the FIDE world rankings was of Indian GM Aravindh Chithambaram who gained 18.5 Elo rating points to climb up to World No. 29 from 44th position. Currently, in the open rankings, there are four Indians in the top 11, five in the top 22, six in the top 29, seven in the top 37, and eight in the top 46 worldwide.

Meanwhile, in the women’s FIDE world rankings, only one Indian is placed in the top 10. India’s first female GM, Koneru Humpy, is currently World No. 7. GM Harika Dronavalli (11), GM Vaishali Rameshbabu (14), and International Master Divya Deshmukh (20) are the other top-ranked Indian women.

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