Chrome no longer focus address bar after opening a new tab

I have seen this problem and it appears that the "Bookmarks Bar" is the root cause for it. Whenever there is a bookmarks bar, the focus on the address bar is automatic. If you remove the bookmarks bar, the address bar loses focus on a new tab.

Solution: Enable the Bookmarks bar.

Go to Settings->Bookmarks->Show Bookmarks Bar

Windows: Control+Shift+B

OSX: Command+Shift+B

SOLUTION USING AN EXTENSION:

The following extension will redirect a "new tab" to whatever page you like and place focus on the address bar.

https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/new-tab-redirect/icpgjfneehieebagbmdbhnlpiopdcmna?utm_source=chrome-app-launcher-info-dialog

NOTE: in the extension options, you must ENABLE "Always update tab, not redirect. (Enable for cursor in the address bar)."

In my case the problem were some extensions that were installed along with µTorrent app. It also switched default search engine to Yahoo and appearance of a new tab window. Uninstalling them fixed the problem.

Go to Settings->More tools->Extensions. If you have any unfamiliar extensions (usually without an icon) remove or disable them.