India, Jan. 4 -- In huge news for chess fans in India, reigning World Champion D Gukesh has withdrawn from the Tata Steel Chess India Rapid and Blitz tournament. The tournament is scheduled to be held in Kolkata from January 7 to 11, and the organisers revealed that Gukesh's withdrawal is due to personal reasons.

In a social media post, the organisers said, "Due to personal reasons, D Gukesh will be unable to participate in Tata Steel Chess India this year."

Gukesh will be replaced by Nihal Sarin in the Rapid and Blitz tournament. Gukesh was expected to face Viswanathan Anand, who is also participating, but now the highly anticipated showdown has been cancelled.

Speaking to The Indian Express, Tata Steel Chess India Tournament Director...