What really happened on day 3?
Before we jump into the most exciting game and the results, let's go through the important moments of round 3.
Sagar Shah in Chennai?
The round was started by IM Sagar Shah, and one thing that all of us can agree on is Sagar's love for chess and players' love for Sagar. He met almost all the players, parents, and the Chola Chess Team. He was there for live commentary, then took some interviews, gave an interview, and whatnot. In just a few hours of his visit to Chennai. He was energetic as usual, but the best thing I saw was him remembering the parents of the players by their names; even if he can't recognise the face, he can recognise the names.
All players, parents, and actually anyone who has seen Sagar once were there to meet and greet him. So yes, the day started with a positive vibe and a great atmosphere.
The Round Starts
It was almost 2 pm; the players were entering the tournament hall. Some players were still there, having lunch and rushing to the tournament hall. The lifts were packed, and the lobby was full of players and their parents. These young players had no stress whatsoever, and they were having fun before facing their tough opponents. At 2 PM, the round started, and it started with 1.d4 on the board 1 by GM Iniyan Pannerselvam.
Chess players are always so nice, and when you go and take their pictures, either they greet you with a smile or just a nod. As a media person, one should not disturb the players before their matches. The games had started; we took the pictures, videos, and starting moments, and now it was time to go back and bring the news out...
A visit to the commentary room
I went to the commentary room to see how everything was going on, and I noticed a crazy position on the screen. GM R.B. Ramesh and IM Sagar Shah were discussing it, and I would love to show that right here.
Iniyan just played 21.e4. I was pretty surprised by the position and the imbalances. White got a bishop pair and a super strong bishop on d3, but black got these two connected passed pawns on b4 and c3. The position looks very interesting, and being a chess player, I wanted to see it in more depth. I stayed there for some time, checked some lines, and came back downstairs (The commentary is happening on the 7th floor while the games are being held on the 8th floor). We are working from a beautiful Sunbean Cafe at the Welcomhotel by ITC.
The Imbalances
The position was already so interesting, and the next moment I saw it, it got even crazier.
Just look at this: both bishops attacking both knights, the rook on a8 under attack, and it's tough to understand anything. (Even the players were not so sure about the accuracy of their play after the game ended, but again, the engine suggested they played this precisely). Black got those two connected passed pawns here, and they are going to get pushed now.
Have you ever seen a position like this?? White got 2 extra bishops, but now black's pawns are even more advanced and going for promotion.
And finally, after two moves from the previous position, here Aravindh decided to sacrifice his Rook (add GothamChess voice) and played 27.c2. The idea is simple: he wants to play b2 and promote a new queen.
Finally, we reached this position; Aravindh promoted a queen, but for him it was not possible to find any break or progress in the position, so he decided to give perpetual checks, and the game ended in a draw. What a game to watch!
Check out the full game
Important Results of Round 3
Editor's Note
Overall, it was a great day for chess, with a lot of exciting games, including Iniyan and Aravindh. Some great moments at the end. Sagar Shah coming to Chennai and me interviewing him was a nice addition to the day. Did interviews with IM Aaradhya Garg, FM Aarit Kapil, IM Sagar Shah, IM Padmini Rout, and WIM Angela Franco; the interviews will be out soon. Also, the recap at the end of the day with GM R.B. Ramesh is always exciting and insightful.
Solve Tactics from this tournament on Chessranga
Round 3 Recap
I can see you are early here, but don't worry. As our daily routine, we met GM R.B. Ramesh after all the games ended, and as usual, he was not tired even after 6 hours of commentary. The Day 3 recap is insanely good, so stay tuned in and find it on ChessBase India's YouTube or right here at this place
Round 3 Results
Bo. | White | Rtg | Pts. | Result | Pts. | Black | Rtg | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | GM | 2677 | 1 | 1 - 0 | 1 | GM | 2470 | ||
2 | GM | 2492 | 1 | ½ - ½ | 1 | GM | 2674 | ||
3 | GM | 2647 | 1 | 1 - 0 | 1 | IM | 2454 | ||
4 | IM | 2446 | 1 | 0 - 1 | 1 | GM | 2629 | ||
5 | GM | 2613 | 1 | 1 - 0 | 1 | GM | 2416 | ||
6 | FM | 2391 | 1 | 0 - 1 | 1 | GM | 2581 | ||
7 | FM | 2327 | 1 | 0 - 1 | 1 | GM | 2562 | ||
8 | GM | 2557 | 1 | ½ - ½ | 1 | GM | 2393 | ||
9 | FM | 2311 | 1 | 1 - 0 | 1 | GM | 2536 | ||
10 | FM | 2301 | 1 | 1 - 0 | 1 | IM | 2525 |
Round 4 Preview
In the 4th round, it's a big clash on the 1st board where former national champion Karthikeyan Murali is facing GM Leon Mendonca with white pieces. On board 2, Samvel Ter-Sahakyan is facing top seed GM Aravindh Chithambaram with white pieces. On boards 3 and 4, India's 98th and 97th Grandmasters, Aswath S and Harashavardhan G.B., are facing Pranesh M. and Iniyan Paneerselvam. Exciting day ahead. The 4th round will start at 2 PM IST on 2nd November 2026. Catch the live commentary on Chola Chess YT or RB Ramesh YT Channels.
Round 4 Pairings
Bo. | White | Rtg | Pts. | Result | Pts. | Black | Rtg | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | GM | 2647 | 3 | 3 | GM | 2629 | |||
2 | GM | 2613 | 3 | 2½ | GM | 2677 | |||
3 | GM | 2540 | 2½ | 2½ | GM | 2674 | |||
4 | GM | 2529 | 2½ | 2½ | GM | 2581 | |||
5 | GM | 2557 | 2½ | 2½ | GM | 2498 | |||
6 | GM | 2574 | 2 | 2 | GM | 2481 | |||
7 | GM | 2471 | 2 | 2 | GM | 2562 | |||
8 | IM | 2454 | 2 | 2 | IM | 2525 | |||
9 | GM | 2523 | 2 | 2 | WGM | 2261 | |||
10 | GM | 2435 | 2 | 2 | GM | 2517 |
Live Stream
Photos and Videos
PhotosVideosReplay Round 3 Available Games
Venue: Welcomhotel by ITC
Live Coverage
Games, Videos and Much MorePlaying Schedule
Playing Field
34 Grandmasters, 3 Woman Grandmasters, 21 International Masters, 3 Woman International Masters, 22 FIDE Masters, 2 FIDE Masters, and 1 Candidate Master are taking part in this 9-Day 9-Round Classical FIDE Rating Chess Tournament. The time control is 90 Min /40 Move + 30 min/end + 30 sec per move, starting from move 1.
Important Links
Chola Chess: Official Site, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube
Regulations, Results and Standings, Tournament Details, Live Coverage
