The talented 11-year-old Safin Safarullakhan becomes FIDE Master
07/02/2026 - Safin Safarullakhan earned the FIDE Master title after his performance at the IM-3 RR 102 Putnik Tournament. He scored 5/9 points and finished fourth in the standings. He entered the event with a rating of 2107, performed at a rating of 2319 and gained 98 Elo points. During the tournament, he defeated two grandmasters, Evgeniy Podolchenko and Handszar Odeev. Safin is training under GM Viorel Iordachescu and GM Stany. IM Jubin Jimmy worked as a mentor for the 11-year-old talent. Read the full article for more details on his performance. Photo: Patricia Claros Aguilar