Grandmaster Arjun Erigaisi clinched the Jerusalem Masters 2025 crown after defeating former world champion Viswanathan Anand in a high-stakes all-Indian final on Wednesday.

After the opening rapid games ended in draws, Erigaisi broke through in the first blitz game with the white pieces to take the lead. The 22-year-old held a winning position in the second blitz game but chose to seal the match with a pragmatic draw — enough to secure the title and a USD 55,000 prize.

Erigaisi reached the final by overcoming Russian GM Peter Svidler in the semifinals, while Anand booked his spot by defeating Ian Nepomniachtchi. Both Indian stars won their respective ties in the second rapid game.

In the third-place match, Svidler edged Nepomniachtchi 2.5-1.5, clinching victory in the second blitz game.

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