Gukesh, Carlsen Absent as Tata Steel Chess India Begins; Anand Returns

• World champion D Gukesh and last edition's winner Magnus Carlsen are notable absentees from the Tata Steel Chess India Rapid & Blitz Open.
• Viswanathan Anand returns as a player after a six-year hiatus, joining top Indian talents like Arjun Erigaisi, R Praggnanandhaa, and Vidit Gujrathi.
• Aleksandra Goryachkina and Kateryna Lagno are the star attractions in the women's section of the tournament.
• The tournament, which concludes on January 11, features a prize purse of USD 41,500 for both Open and Women categories.
• Young talents like Arjun Erigaisi (World Championships bronze) and Volodar Murzin (World Rapid Champion) are strong contenders.

Why It Matters: Despite top absentees, Tata Steel Chess India promises intense competition with Anand's return and young stars.