Viresh Sharnarthi needed a win with Black against GM Leon Luke Mendonca to secure his second GM norm at the 1st Chola Chess GM Open 2026. A draw would have left him at a performance rating of 2599, just one point short. In the final round, Viresh got the win!
Just over a week earlier, he won the Western Asian Junior Championship in Ahmedabad, earning his International Master title and his first GM norm.

GM Leon resigned at move 34. | Photo: Tushar Damor

Viresh in interview with ChessBase India

Check out the final moments of the game and see Ramesh sir and everyone in the hall celebrate with Viresh!