An Interview with ChessBase India
Iniyan is going to compete at the 1st Chola Chess International Open Grandmasters Chess Tournament from 30th October, and after that he will be defending his National Title in Banaras. We caught up with Iniyan before his tight schedule starts; check out this interview.
Devansh: When did your chess journey begin, and what initially drew you to the game?
Iniyan: I started playing when I was around 5 years old at home. I went to many different activities for coaching, but when I went from district level to International in U-7 it was obvious I had a chess talent.
Devansh: Who or what has been the biggest influence in your chess career?
Iniyan: My family. Through all the ups and downs, they have been part of the journey, and it certainly wouldn't have been possible to reach here without their support.
Devansh: Looking back at your 9 rounds in Abu Dhabi, which game did you feel was the most critical or instructive for you?
Iniyan: The start sets the tone, so I’d pick my game against IM Kushagra Mohan. It was a clean game: good preparation, followed by accurate calculation over the board. I also valued playing experienced GMs like Vakhidov and Dubov, and analysing the games with them afterwards gave me a real insight into how they see the game.
In terms of the result, the final round against IM Ranindu Liyanage was the most critical. I wanted to win, and so did he, as he needed the result for a GM norm. He played some of his best chess, but I defended well, and the game ended in a draw.
Check out the final round game
Check out this annotated game against Danill Dubov in Round 7
Devansh: Finishing 7th in a field packed with strong GMs and young talents is a commendable result. What are your primary reflections and key learnings from this edition?
Iniyan: It was a good result, but it could have been better. I played 7 of the top 11 players, so my tiebreaks were very strong. Half a point more would have meant 2nd place, and a full point more would have meant the championship. Since I drew my last six games, a win or two would have made a big difference.
Devansh: At the 360One Masters in Mumbai and La Plagne in France, you entered as top seed and delivered commanding performances (7.5/9 in both). How does the pressure of being the top seed affect your mindset?
Iniyan: Both were very good tournaments, with some nice wins against strong players. As top seed, opponents approach you differently, and you have a target on your back. But the only thing within my control is the moves I make, and that is what I focus on.
Boris Savchenko vs. Iniyan Panneerselvam (Annotated by Iniyan)
Devansh: Both victories featured games with a performance rating hovering around 2700. What do you feel clicked in your play?
Iniyan: A combination of good preparation, a great atmosphere at both tournaments, and relaxed play.
Devansh: Who have you been working with recently, if you can tell us?
Iniyan: I’ve been working with several players and coaches to maximise my learning. The one name I’d like to single out is the Chola Group, who have been phenomenal in supporting players, creating opportunities for so many to learn, and organising events.
Devansh: Who are your sponsors, and how do they support you?
Iniyan: International chess involves significant expenses, including travel, accommodation, and, above all, training, so sponsorship is essential. I’m honoured that Lloyds Metals, under its Managing Director Mr. B. Prabhakaran, has supported me extensively this year.
The Sakthi Group, led by its Chairman and TNSCA President Dr. M. Manickam, has backed me financially and in many other ways for years. The Government of Tamil Nadu, through the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu, also supports me along with many other sportspersons through its various schemes.
Devansh: What does your tournament calendar look like for the rest of the year? Are there specific milestones or rating targets you are pursuing?
Iniyan: I’ll be playing the Chola Open 2026 and the National Championship 2026, where I’ll be defending the title I won last year. I’m open to playing more tournaments after that. I wish to do well and win the tournament. On rating wise, I have reached 2600 already twice, so the next target is 2650.
Devansh: For young Indian players aiming to break the 2500–2600 barrier, what is one key habit or mindset shift you would recommend?
Iniyan: Play to win every game, whoever the opponent is, and play to win every tournament, whoever is in the field. That mindset will push you forward.
From emerging as Erode’s first International Master to leading the charge as India’s reigning National Champion, Iniyan Panneerselvam continues to lead by example. Backed by solid institutional support and an unapologetically ambitious mindset, he enters the final stretch of the year with clear targets in sight. We thank Iniyan for taking the time to speak with us and wish him great success in defending his crown and chasing down the 2650 Elo mark!
