History made! Arjun Erigaisi, Srinath Narayanan's Team MGD1 becomes first Indian team to win FIDE World Rapid Team Championship
Team MGD1 made history by becoming the first Indian team to win the FIDE World Rapid Team Championships in London on Friday, securing 10 wins in 12 rounds over three days.
The sixth-seeded team emerged victorious after an intense battle with Team Hexamind in the prestigious tournament, which featured 104 grandmasters including 5 from the world's top 10, competing for a record prize purse of €500,000.
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Team MGD1, who had previously won silver and bronze medals in past editions, started strong with an undefeated record on day one. However, they faced setbacks with a draw against Team Freedom and a loss to Team Hexamind, requiring exceptional performance on the final day.
The team responded by winning all four rounds on the last day. Team MGD1 consisted of GMs Arjun Erigaisi, Tsolakidou Stovroula, Pentala Harikrishna, Leon Mendonca, David Anton Guijarro, Pranav, Atharva Tayade, and team captain Srinath Narayanan.
"This is very special! With the Indian team in the Olympiad we were the favourites to win and out here with Team MGD1 we were the underdogs. And yet we won Gold again!" said Team Captain, GM Srinath Narayanan.
Team MGD1 finished with 21 points, one point ahead of Team Hexamind, while Team Freedom, featuring Viswanathan Anand, secured third place with 17 points.
World number 3 Arjun Erigaisi led the team's final day charge, scoring 3.5 points out of 4 after a difficult second day where he managed only half a point.
He defeated GM Richard Rapport, drew against GM Nihal Sarin, and won against GMs Jose Martinez and Luke McShane.
"Team MGD1 is all about Team Spirit. I was having a bad day on day 2 and others stepped up to keep the momentum going. Also Atharvaa's performance was out of this world!" Arjun stated.
IITian Atharvaa Tayade, competing on the Recreational Board, won 11 of 12 games and helped secure a 3:3 draw against Team Freedom when other boards split points and Arjun lost to Anand.
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Pranav maintained perfect form on the final day, winning all four games including a victory over GM Ivan Saric, finishing with 7.5/8 points overall.
"I am really happy! With this team it's mainly about a great culture! Even though I'm an amateur player they didn't make me feel like one. Also my entire college was rooting for me that was very special. I have to go back and get back my attendance!" said Atharvaa Tayade, who is pursuing his management degree from IIM Kolkata.
The teams will now compete in the Blitz competition, with Team MGD1 aiming to achieve a double victory.
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