India, Aug. 6 -- The third edition of the Chennai Grand Masters tournament is set to begin on Wednesday, boasting one of the strongest line-ups in Indian chess outside the global stage. With a main field featuring stars like Arjun Erigaisi, Vidit Gujrathi, Anish Giri, and Jorden van Foreest, and a vibrant Challengers section spotlighting emerging Indian talents, the tournament continues its rise as a staple fixture on the chess calendar.

But the absence of two of India's biggest stars, reigning World Champion D Gukesh and Praggnanandhaa R, has been a talking point in this year's edition, especially given the tournament's symbolic stature in Chennai, the home of Indian chess.

Tournament Director and Grandmaster Srinath Narayanan addresse...