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Harikrishnan A Ra becomes the 87th Grandmaster of India

14/07/2025 -

IM Harikrishnan A Ra became the 87th Indian to achieve the Grandmaster title on Friday 11th July 2025 at 5th La Plagne Masters 2025. A draw against the reigning National Rapid 2025 champion, GM Iniyan Pa in the final round secured his final GM-norm. Harikrishnan earned his first GM-norm in July 2023 at 56th Biel Chess Festival Master Tournament (MTO) 2023. Nearly two years later, he scored his second GM-norm at Lince Andújar Open 2025 in Andújar, Spain. Before that, in June 2024, he got a published rating of 2502. The Grandmaster title has always been an inevitability for him. There was never a question of if, it was always when he will fulfill the GM title requirements. Check out the journey of the talented boy from Chennai.

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Biel GMT: Fedoseev and Aravindh top the Rapid

14/07/2025 -

GM Vladimir Fedoseev (SLO) and GM Aravindh Chithambaram topped the 58th Biel Chess Festival GMT Masters Rapid 2025. They started the day by facing each other. Although the battle ended in a draw, it was an exciting one which could have gone either player's way. Both Fedoseev and Aravindh are at 7/10 each, closely followed by GM Radoslaw Wojtaszek (POL) and GM Volodar Murzin at 6/10 and 5/10 each. GM Nikolas Theodorou (GRE) topped the GMT Challengers with an unbeaten 8/10. Today is a rest day for both GMT events. GMT Masters and Challengers Round 1 starts tomorrow Tuesday 15th July at 2 p.m. local time, 5:30 p.m. IST. Master Tournament (MTO) Round 1 starts today at the same time. Photo: Biel Chess Festival

What helped Harikrishnan become India's 87th Grandmaster?

14/07/2025 -

Making the leap from International Master (IM) to Grandmaster (GM), especially after the age of 20, is a demanding journey. It requires not only immense effort, determination, and adaptability, but also several other important factors. This article explores those factors that shape the final stretch from IM to GM, with the recent success of GM Harikrishnan as an example. He secured his 2nd and 3rd GM norms back-to-back at the Lince Andújar open and the La Plagne Open. This will offer valuable insights into what it truly takes to cross that final hurdle. Photo: Shyam Sundar

Women's World Cup 2025 Round 3.2: Divya and Humpy advance to Round 4

14/07/2025 -

IM Divya Deshmukh and GM Koneru Humpy have advanced to Round 4 of FIDE Women's World Cup 2025. Divya drew with the reigning European Individual Women's champion, IM Teodora Injac (SRB) as it was enough for her to secure her place in the final 16. Divya will face her toughest challenge of the event so far in the form of GM Jiner Zhu (CHN). Humpy on the other hand defeated IM Klaudia Kulon (POL) convincingly to move to Round of 16. IM Vantika Agrawal suffered a loss against GM Kateryna Lagno. GM Harika Dronavalli drew her game against IM Stavroula Tsolakidou (GRE). GM R Vaishali and IM Carissa Yip (USA), missed their chances against each other and their game ended in a draw. Vantika, Harika and Vaishali will play tie-breaks today starting at 3 p.m. local time, 4:30 p.m. IST. Photo: FIDE/Anna Shtourman

Alexey Sarana clear first at Aktobe Open 2025 Masters, Aryan Chopra second

13/07/2025 -

GM Alexey Sarana (SRB) scored an unbeaten 7/9 to win Aktobe Open Masters - Vladimir Dvorkovich Memorial 2025. Alexey performed at 2726 and finished a half point ahead of the rest. Five players - GM Aryan Chopra, GM Zhamsaran Tsydypov, GM Iniyan Pa, GM Murtas Kazhgaleyev (KAZ) and GM Hao Wang (CHN) scored 6.5/9 each. They secured second to sixth place respectively. The total prize fund was US$ 100000, $78000 in Masters. The top three prizes were $18000, $14000 and $10000 along with a trophy each. The nine-day nine round rating tournament was organized by Kazakhstan Chess Federation in Aktobe, Kazakhstan from 22nd to 30th June 2025. Photo: Kazakhstan Chess Federation

Mustafa Yilmaz perfect at Biel Swiss Rapid Fischer Random Championship 2025, Karthikeyan Murali third

13/07/2025 -

GM Mustafa Yilmaz (TUR) scored a perfect 7/7 to win 58th Biel Chess Festival Swiss Rapid Chess960 Championship. He finished a full point ahead of the rest. IM Banh Gia Huy (VIE) scored sole 6/7 to secure second place. GM Karthikeyan Murali and Junchen He (CHN) scored 5.5/7. Karthikeyan was placed third due to better tie-break scores. The total prize fund was CHF 500. The top three prizes were CHF 250, 150 and 100. GM Radoslaw Wojtaszek (POL) won the Accentus Chess 960 GMT Masters, GM Rinat Jumabayev (KAZ) won the Challengers. Both scored 4.5/7 each. Rapid tournament for GMT Masters, Challengers and Open starts today at 2 p.m. local time, 5:30 p.m. IST. Photo: Biel Chess Festival

Women's World Cup 2025 Round 3.1: Vantika Agrawal upsets Kateryna Lagno

13/07/2025 -

IM Vantika Agrawal is on a huge roll at FIDE Women's World Cup 2025. She defeated GM Kateryna Lagno in Round 3 Game 1. The former World Rapid and three-time World Blitz Women's champion erred in a difficult position. It cost her material and Vantika scored the victory convincingly. IM Divya Deshmukh won against the reigning European Women's champion, IM Teodora Injac (SRB). One tiny inaccuracy in the endgame is all it took for Divya to bag the advantage and point. GM Harika Dronavalli missed a few great chances to win against IM Stavroula Tsolakidou (GRE). GM Koneru Humpy was lost for the better part of the game against IM Klaudia Kulon (POL). Somehow she managed to survive and salvage a draw. GM R Vaishali made a quick 13-move draw against IM Carissa Yip (USA). Round 3 Game 2 starts today at 3 p.m. local time, 4:30 p.m. IST. Photo: FIDE/Anna Shtourman

New: Adrian Mikhalchishin: Master your Technique Vol. 2 - Winning strategies you must know

12/07/2025 -

Master Your Technique Vol. 2 by Adrian Mikhalchishin takes you deeper into the technical foundations of practical chess, focusing on converting advantages and mastering key endgame and middlegame imbalances. Through structured lessons and model games, you'll learn crucial skills like precise endgame technique, double attacks, attacking on open files, and the principle of two weaknesses. This course is ideal for ambitious players who want to turn good positions into wins with confidence and clarity. Apart from downloading files and installing on your computer, you can also stream videos and study from ChessBase books on any device - computer, smartphone, tablets etc. The app runs on both Windows and Mac OSX. For Windows device, Windows 10 or higher is required. Photo: ChessBase

Sport Club KPRF wins Asian Chess Club Champions League 2025, Airports Authority of India third

12/07/2025 -

Sport Club KPRF and Ugra Chess Academy scored an unbeaten 13/14 each at Asian Chess Club Champions League 2025. The former became champion and the latter finished second according to the tie-breaks. Airports Authority of India scored 10/14 to finish third. The total prize fund of the tournament was 10000000 Roubles. The top three prizes were 20000000, 1500000 and 1200000 Roubles along with a trophy each. GM Sankalp Gupta won individual Gold on Board no.1 with a 78.6% score. IM Harshavardhan G B and IM Sanket Chakravarty won Silver on Board no.3 and 5 respective with a score of 50% and 60%. Photo: Ugra Chess Academy

Women's World Cup 2025 Round 2 TB: Vantika Agrawal knocks out Anna Ushenina

12/07/2025 -

IM Vantika Agrawal played fantastic chess to eliminate the 14th Women's World Champion, GM Anna Ushenina (UKR) in Round 2 of FIDE Women's World Cup 2025. Vantika could have finished things as early as the second 15'+10" Rapid tie-break game if she spotted her winning chance. Nevertheless, she won the first 10'+10" Rapid tie-break, lost the second. Then she bounced back by winning the first 5'+3" Blitz tie-break and drew the next to secure her place in the third round. She will face the former World Rapid and three-time World Blitz Women's champion, GM Kateryna Lagno in the next round. IM Padmini Rout was on the verge of eliminating the 12th Women's World Champion, GM Alexandra Kosteniuk (SUI). However, Padmini got eliminated. WIM Priyanka K lost both of her 15'+10" Rapid tie-break games against IM Klaudia Kulon (POL). Thus, her debut at this event came to an end. Round 3 Game 1 starts today at 3 p.m. local time, 4:30 p.m. IST. Photo: FIDE/Anna Shtourman

Vaclav Finek wins Teplice Open 2025, Sathvik Adiga second

11/07/2025 -

IM Vaclav Finek (CZE) and IM Sathvik Adiga scored 7.5/9 each at Teplice Open A (≥2099) 2025. Vaclav won the tournament due to better tie-break scores, Sathvik settled for second place. Vaclav defeated the eventual runner-up, Sathvik in the sixth round. They both finished a full point ahead of the rest. Nine players scored 6.5/9 each. Out of them, IM Pham Tran Gia Phuc (VIE) was adjudged third. The total prize fund of the tournament was 336500 CZK combining three categories, 208000 CZK in Open A. The top three prizes were 50000, 40000 and 30000 CZK along with a trophy each. GM Deep Sengupta, FM Yash Bharadia and IM Ameya Audi also scored 6.5/9 each. They secured fourth, seventh and eighth place respectively. Photo: Jayaram Ramanna

Kazakhstan Chess Federation invites you to Almaty Region Open 2025 with a prize fund of US$ 100000

11/07/2025 -

Kazakhstan Chess Federation invites you to Almaty Region Open 2025 - Qonaev Cup. The tournament has three sections - Masters (> 2400), Challengers (>1900) and Open (<1900). The total prize fund is - US$ 100000, $78000 for Masters, $15000 for Challengers and $7000 for Open. The top three prizes are US$ 18000, 14000 and 10000. Entry is FREE for 2600+ in Masters, GM, IM, WGM, WIM in Challengers and Open. Conditions are offered to 2600+ players. GM Aditya Mittal won two tournaments in Kazakhstan in 2023. Kumar Gaurav won Oskemen Open 2024 last year. GM Aryan Chopra secured second place at the recently concluded Aktobe Open 2025 last month. You could be the next one. Check out the article for more information. All tournament info photos are from tournament circular.

Women's World Cup 2025 Round 2.2: Humpy, Harika, Vaishali and Divya through to Round 3

11/07/2025 -

GM Koneru Humpy, GM Harika Dronavalli, GM R Vaishali and IM Divya Deshmukh have secured their place in the third round of FIDE Women's World Cup 2025. Humpy and Divya drew their respective game as it was enough to win the match. Harika defeated compatriot WGM Nandhidhaa P V to advance to the next round. Thus, Nandhidhaa got eliminated. Vaishali defeated WGM Maili-Jade Ouellet (CAN). She is one of the nine women to win both of her games. IM Padmini Rout, IM Vantika Agrawal and WIM Priyanka K will have to play tie-breaks against GM Alexandra Kosteniuk (SUI), GM Anna Ushenina (UKR) and IM Klaudia Kulon (POL) today. Round 2 Tie-break games start today at 3 p.m. local time, 4:30 p.m. IST. Photo: FIDE/Anna Shtourman

Mani Bharathy dominates Visalakshi - Arunachalam 9th SCS Rating Open 2025

10/07/2025 -

Mani Bharathy scored an unbeaten 7.5/8 to win Visalakshi - Arunachalam 9th SCS Rating Open 2025. He finished a full point ahead of the rest. Eight players scored 6.5/8 each. Out of them, CM R Shadhursshaan and FM P Maheshwaran were placed second and third respectively according to tie-breaks. The total prize fund of the tournament was ₹450000. The top three prizes were ₹70000, ₹50000 and ₹35000 along with a trophy each. The four-day eight round Rating Open tournament was organized by Sivakasi Chess Sparklers and Mepco Schlenk Engineering College from 19th to 22nd June 2025 at Mepco Schlenk Engineering College in Sivakasi, Tamil Nadu. This is Mani's first rating tournament triumph of the year. Photo: IA R Anantharam

Jing Fong Joash Chan wins 2nd SMU Chess Classic Rating Open 2025, Ravi Krishna G second

10/07/2025 -

Jing Fong Joash Chan (SGP), Ravi Krishna G, Vijay Rege and Stefanus Kf Phan (SGP) scored 7/9 each at 2nd SMU Chess Classic Rating 2025. Jing won the tournament due to better tie-breaks. The remaining three were placed second to fourth respectively. Top three remained undefeated. Ravi drew against Jing in Round 8. The total prize fund was Giftano gift cards worth SG$ 2600. The top three prizes were $250, $200 and $180 along with a trophy each. The six-day nine round rating tournament was organized by SMU Intellectual Sports at Singapore Management University School of Economics in Singapore from 16th to 21st June 2025. Photo: FA Khor Eng Yeow

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