D Gukesh continues his simply dazzling trajectory in chess, outplaying Arjun Erigaisi to become India’s highest-ranked player, fourth in the latest FIDE rankings. The 18-year-old reached this feat on Thursday after holding his second win in the prominent Tata Steel Tournament of Wijk Aan Zee, Netherlands, where he defeated Germany’s Vincent Keymer.

Recently, Gukesh was bestowed with the Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna. He now tallies 2784 rating points, relegating Erigaisi, on top for some time, into fifth place on 2779.5.

Magnus Carlsen of Norway remains the world’s No. 1 with 2832.5 points, while Hikaru Nakamura from the U.S. is number two with 2802, and Fabiano Caruana placed third with 2798.

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Gukesh has been in phenomenal form since clinching the world title when he beat China’s Ding Liren in Singapore last December. He gave the World Rapid and Blitz Championship event in New York-a pass to attend a few celebratory functions at home.

Since his return to the board, he has not suffered defeat and is running with two wins and three draws into the eight remaining rounds in Wijk Aan Zee. His performance was an indication of growing confidence and skills.

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