Can Arjun Erigaisi win 31st TePe Sigeman & Co. 2026?

By admin May 7, 2026 0 comments

Arjun Erigaisi gained sole lead heading into the final round of 31st TePe Sigeman & Co. 2026. He won against Jiner Zhu (CHN) to move to 4.5/6. Magnus Carlsen (NOR) and Yağız Kaan Erdoğmuş (TUR) are the only two players at 4/6 each.

Carlsen and Yagiz in the fray

A win against Andy Woodward in the final round will make Arjun Erigaisi a clear champion, whereas a draw means the outcome of Carlsen and Yagiz becoming crucial. If they draw and Arjun also draws, Arjun becomes the champion. However, if one of them win and Arjun draws, then tie-breaks will determine the winner of the tournament.

Erdogmus – Abdusattorov: 0.5-0.5

Yagiz Kaan Erdogmus (TUR, 2708) and Nodirbek Abdusattorov (UZB, 2780) have played three Classical rated games against each other. Abdusattorov won one and the remaining two ended in draws. Their fourth Classical battle was a tame draw lasting 26 moves.

Yagiz Kaan Erdogmus (TUR) – Nodirbek Abdusattorov (UZB): 0.5-0.5 | Photo: Peter Doggers, https://www.tepesigemanchess.com/

Jorden – Grandelius: 0.5-0.5

Jorden van Foreest (NED, 2735) and Nils Grandelius (SWE, 2662) have faced each other in nine Classical rated games. Jorden won two and the remaning seven games ended in draws. Their tenth battle was a well contested draw.

Jorden van Foreest (NED) – Nils Grandelius (SWE): 0.5-0.5 | Photo: Peter Doggers, https://www.tepesigemanchess.com/

Interview with Nils Grandelius | Video: Sveriges Schackförbund

Jiner – Arjun: 0-1

Arjun Erigaisi (2751) played only one Classical rated game against Jiner Zhu (CHN, 2546) at Tata Steel Challengers four years ago. Arjun had won that game. This time also he repeated the same result with the black pieces. For the second time at this event, Arjun went for a pawn race on the opposite side of the board. Only this time, he had an extra pawn.

Position after 49…Ra7

50.Ke3 is what White needed to play to ensure Black’s kingside connected passed pawns do not become menacing. 50.Kc3?? allowed Black to transfer the rook to the kingside with ease Ra3+ 51.Kd2 Rg3 52.Bc8 f4! and Black went on to win the game with precise play. This win put Arjun into sole lead at 4.5/6. A win against Andy Woodward (USA) in the final round makes Arjun a clear champion.

Arjun Erigaisi is now just a win away from winning the tournament | Photo: Peter Doggers, https://www.tepesigemanchess.com/

Interview with Arjun Erigaisi | Video: Sveriges Schackförbund

Nils Grandelius (SWE) ended his losing streak with a quiet draw against Nodirbek Abdusattorov (UZB) | Photo: Peter Doggers, https://www.tepesigemanchess.com/

Woodward – Carlsen: 0-1

It was the first time Andy Woodward (USA, 2635) faces Magnus Carlsen (NOR, 2840) in a Classical rated game.

Position after 24…Nf4

Carlsen mentioned in the post-game interview that he was happy to get 24…Nf4 in. 25.Bf2 Nxe2+ 26.Nxe2 was something the World no.1 did not consider Qf6 27.Be3 Bxh3 28.b4 Nd7 29.Rxb7 Be6 30.Nd4? Ra8 31.Nxe6 Qxe6 32.Bd3 Ra1+ and it became just a matter of time for White’s position to fall apart.

Magnus Carlsen defeated Andy Woodward to remain in the hunt | Photo: Peter Doggers, https://www.tepesigemanchess.com/

Interview with Magnus Carlsen | Video: Sveriges Schackförbund

Round 6 in progress | Photo: Peter Doggers, https://www.tepesigemanchess.com/

Ceremonial first move of Round 6 | Photo: Peter Doggers, https://www.tepesigemanchess.com/

Official commentators – GM Erwin l’Ami (NED) and GM Stellan Brynell (SWE) | Photo: Peter Doggers, https://www.tepesigemanchess.com/

Replay live stream

Replay Round 6 live commentary by GM Erwin l’Ami (NED) and GM Stellan Brynell (SWE) | Video: Sveriges Schackförbund

Time Control

90 minutes for 40 moves and then 30 minutes for the remaining moves with 30 seconds cumulative increment for each move starting from the first move (Malmö rules – no draws before move 40).