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31st Abu Dhabi Masters R5: Vignesh Advaith Vemula topples Yunguo Wan

20/08/2025 -

One of the latest IMs of India, Vignesh Advaith Vemula scored a big win over GM Yunguo Wan (CHN) in Round 5 of 31st Abu Dhabi Masters. GM Chongsheng Zeng (CHN) emerged sole leader 5/5, after he defeated IM Artiom Stribuk. GM Aditya Mittal held the top seed, GM Sanan Sjugirov (HUN) to a draw. GM Iniyan Pa capitalized on GM Titas Stremavicius' (LTU) blunder in the queen, rook and knight endgame. IM Akshay Borganokar, IM Mayank Chakraborty, IM Aakash Sharadchandra Dalvi and IM Kushagra Mohan split the point with GM Jingyao Tin (SGP), GM Denis Makhnev (KAZ), GM Srihari L R and GM Karthik Venkataraman respectively. Round 6 starts today at 5 p.m. local time, 6:30 p.m. IST. Photos: Aditya Sur Roy

ChessBase 18 and Mega 2025 are here

ChessBase 18 is an all-new program that helps you manage all your databases as an ambitious player. Mega Database 2025 has 11 million games with over 113,000 games annotated by masters. The cost of ChessBase 18 is Rs.4499/- and the cost of Mega Database 2025 is Rs.6499/- However, if you go for the combo the total amount comes to Rs.8999 (instead of 10,998/-) helping you save Rs. 1999/-.

ChessBase 18 + Mega 2025 Combo

Sinquefield Cup: Gukesh bounces back, Praggnanandhaa draws against Caruana

20/08/2025 -

The World Champion, D Gukesh bounced back in the second round of Grand Chess Tour Sinquefield Cup 2025. A new chapter added in the ever-growing rivalry between Gukesh and Nodirbek Abdusattorov (UZB). Their battles are always irrespective format and stake. This one was no different either. Gukesh used his preparation to get himself a better position out of the opening. However, his opponent had a couple of tiny chances which he missed. Alireza Firouzja (FRA) won another sharp battle of the round against Jan-Krzysztof Duda (POL). R Praggnanadhaa had a solid draw against Fabiano Caruana (USA). Round 3 starts today at 12 p.m. local time, 10:30 p.m. IST. Photo: Lennart Ootes / Grand Chess Tour

Sayantan Das clear first at CTCA International Open 2025

19/08/2025 -

GM Sayantan Das scored an unbeaten 7.5/9 to win 1st CTCA International Rating Open 2025. He finished a half point ahead of the field. FM Sander Severino (PHI) scored sole 7/9 to secure second place. Five players - GM Gergely Aczel (HUN), GM Antonio Rogelio Jr. (PHI), Jasper Rom (PHI), Darry Bernardo (PHI) and Aitor Garcia-Ruiz Fuentes (ESP) scored 6.5/9 each. They shared third place. Sayantan drew against both runners-up. Top three prizes were NT $50000, $30000 and $15000 along with a trophy each. This is Sayantan's second overall, first individual rating tournament triumph of the year. Photo: Lin Yung Jhe

Siddhanth Poonja and Lokesh N win the Global Star Offline Cup Rapid and Blitz sections respectively

19/08/2025 -

CircleChess hosted its second rated tournament at the Global Malls Divinity, Bangalore, bringing together passionate players for some exciting chess battles. In the rapid section, Siddhanth Poonja took first place, while Lokesh impressed everyone by winning the blitz category. The total prize pool was Rs. 5 Lakh, with top prizes awarded to the best three players. Beyond individual wins, the tournament also recognized the Best Academy, Best Caissa School of Chess students, and a creative Parent-Child Duo, adding a fun and personal touch to the competition. Read the article to know more. Photo: CircleChess

31st Abu Dhabi Masters R4: Aditya Mittal's amazing knight sac

19/08/2025 -

IM Artiom Stribuk and GM Chongsheng Zeng (CHN) are the only two players with four points each at 31st Abu Dhabi Chess Festival 2025 Masters. Seven players are trailing them by a half point at 3.5/5 each. GM Aditya Mittal is the sole Indian among them. He scored a fantastic victory against IM Shiroghlan Talibov (AZE) by sacrificing his knight after thwarting an onslaught by his opponent. Untitled Mandar Pradip Lad played a 124-move marathon draw against GM Yunguo Wan (CHN). Among the latest IMs of India - Vignesh Advaith Vemula, Daaevik Wadhawan and Suyog Wagh held GM Jingyao Tin (SGP), GM Denis Makhnev (KAZ) and GM Karthik Venkataraman to a draw each respectively. Round 5 starts today at 5 p.m. local time, 6:30 p.m. IST. Photos: Aditya Sur Roy

Sinquefield Cup: Praggnanandhaa wins his first Classical game against Gukesh in over three years, now World no.3

19/08/2025 -

R Praggnanandhaa outplayed the World Champion, D Gukesh in the first round of Grand Chess Tour Sinquefield Cup 2025. This marks Praggnanandhaa's first win against D Gukesh in a Classical rated game since April 2022. Gukesh went wrong early in the game and he could not complete the development of his pieces. It took forever for the pieces to get into the action and by that time Praggnanandhaa already got himself a winning position. Levon Aronian (USA) scored the only other win of the round against Nodirbek Abdusattorov (UZB). Samuel Sevian (USA) got himself a great opportunity against Wesley So (USA). However, he could not capitalize and the game ended in a draw. Round 2 starts today at 12 p.m. local time, 10:30 p.m. IST. Photo: Lennart Ootes / Grand Chess Tour

Raghuraman Gurubaran wins 25th Sant Marti B 2025, Pratik Gengaje second

18/08/2025 -

Raghuraman Gurubaran, Pratik Gengaje, Oliver Rana (USA) and Advaith Asokumar scored 7.5/9 each at 25th Sant Marti Open Group B (<1950) 2025. Raghuraman won the tournament due to better tie-break scores. The remaining three were placed second, third and fourth respectively. The total prize fund combining both groups was €8215. The top three prizes in Group B were €500, €350 and €200 along with a trophy each. Parth Moghe scored 7/9. He edged past five more players on tie-breaks to claim fifth place. Total four Indians finished in top ten. Two out of the podium finishers are aged twelve years or younger. This is Raghuraman's first rating tournament of his career. Photo: Roger Salvo

CRG Chess Academy announces Rs. 4 Lakh Scholarship for young chess players

18/08/2025 -

Hyderabad has steadily grown into one of India’s strongest chess cities, where many chess academies are nurturing young talents with care and vision. One of them is CRG Chess Academy, which has recently announced a special Chess Scholarship Program for children under 15. The initiative will award four full scholarships worth Rs. 4 lakh, covering a year of intensive training at the academy. It is designed for players who not only have a passion for the game but also the dedication to grow stronger with consistent effort. Read on to learn more about the program and how to apply for this unique opportunity. Photo: Official website

Arjun Kalyan victorious at Andorra la Vella Blitz Grand Prix 2025

18/08/2025 -

GM Arjun Kalyan scored an unbeaten 7.5/9 to win Andorra la Vella Blitz Rating Grand Prix 2025. He finished a half point ahead of the rest. Four players, GM Aleksandr Shimanov, IM Francisco Fiorito (ARG), IM Joaquin Fiorito (ARG) and FM Alex Villa Tornero (ESP) scored 7/9 each. Arjun defeated the eventual runner-up, Shimanov in Round 7 and drew with Francisco in the penultimate round. They secured second to fifth place respectively. Total prize fund for the Blitz was €1050. Top three prizes were €250, €200 and €150 along with a trophy each. Arjun plays very few tournaments these days. So winning this clear first and also remaining undefeated at the same time is certainly special. Photo: Escacs Andorra - FEVA

Gukesh to face Praggnanandhaa in the first round of Sinquefield Cup 2025

18/08/2025 -

The fifth event of the Grand Chess Tour 2025 season is Sinquefield Cup. The top four finisher in the GP standings will advance to the Finals which will take place in Brazil this year. The World Champion, D Gukesh will be seen in action along with Fabiano Caruana (USA), R Praggnanandhaa, Nodirbek Abdusattorov (UZB), the defending champion - Alireza Firouzja (FRA), Wesley So (USA), Levon Aronian (USA), Maxime Vachier-Lagrave (FRA), Jan-Krzysztof Duda (POL) and Samuel Sevian (USA). Gukesh will face his compatriot Praggnanandhaa in the very first round. What will be the outcome of this game? The tournament takes place at Richmond Heights in Saint Louis, Missouri, USA. Round 1 starts today at 12 p.m. local time, 10:30 p.m. IST. Photo: Lennart Ootes / Grand Chess Tour

31st Abu Dhabi Masters R3: Jubin Jimmy makes a perfect start

18/08/2025 -

IM Jubin Jimmy defeated FM Felix Xie (NZL) to maintain a perfect score at 31st Abu Dhabi Chess Festival 2025 Masters. Jubin is the sole Indian among seven players to have 3 points. IM Anuj Shrivatri, IM Sahib Singh, IM Suyog Wagh and IM Goutham Krishna H drew against GM Jingyao Tin (SGP), GM Aditya Mittal, GM Titas Stremavicius (LTU) and GM Brewington Hardaway (USA) respectively. Anuj and Sahib played well against their opponents. Suyog found a great resource despite being lost for the majority of the double rook endgame. Goutham salvaged a draw as his opponent could not capitalize on his advantage. Mandar Pradip Lad defeated IM Erdem Khubukshanov. Round 4 starts today at 5 p.m. local time, 6:30 p.m. IST. Photos: Aditya Sur Roy

Aakash G triumphs at 25th Sant Marti Open 2025, Kaivalya Sandip Nagare third

17/08/2025 -

FM Aakash G, GM Hipolito Asis Gargatagli (ESP) and FM Kaivalya Sandip Nagare scored 7/9 each at 25th Sant Marti Open Group A (>1950) 2025. Aakash won the tournament due to better tie-break scores. Hipolito and Kaivalya were placed second and third respectively. The total prize fund combining both groups was €8215. The top three prizes in Group A were €1400, €1100 and €850 along with a trophy each. Aakash earned his maiden GM and IM-norms. Kaivalya also secured an IM-norm. This is Aakash's third overall, second rating tournament triumph of the year. Photo: Roger Salvo

New: Robert Ris: The top-tier Trompowsky

17/08/2025 -

In today's chess world, an ideal opening should be practical, easy to remember, aggressive, and force the opponent to think early—rather than aiming for small advantages. IM Robert Ris presents such a repertoire for White with 1.d4 followed by 2.Bg5, fulfilling all these criteria. The Trompowsky Attack, now revived by top grandmasters, is especially effective in rapid games and allows players to sidestep deep theory while gaining dynamic play. Grab this Fritztrainer and increase your arsenal of theoretical knowledge of the Trompowsky. You can now stream videos and study from ChessBase books. Photo: ChessBase

Rosh Jain and Kushagra Mohan win 1st Shatranj Rapid and Blitz Rating Open 2025

17/08/2025 -

FM Rosh Jain, CM Aarit Kapil and Kathan Khurana scored 8/9 each at 1st Shatranj Rapid Rating Open 2025. Rosh won the tournament due to better tie-break score. The remaining two secured second and third place respectively according to tie-breaks. Only Rosh remained undefeated among them. IM Kushagra Mohan scored a perfect 9/9 to win the Blitz Rating Open. He finished a half point ahead of the rest. IM Ravi Teja S scored sole 8.5/9 to finish second. Arnav Agrawal, Daksh Goyal and Aarit scored 8/9 each. They were placed third to fifth respectively. The total prize fund was ₹800000, ₹600000 for Rapid and ₹200000 for Blitz. The top three prizes in Rapid were ₹51000, ₹31000 and ₹15000, for Blitz they were ₹21000, ₹11000 and ₹8000 along with a trophy each. This is Rosh's second and Kushagra's third rating tournament triumph of the year. Photo: Apeejay School, Pitampura

31st Abu Dhabi Masters R2: Kushagra Mohan and Suyog Wagh score big upsets

17/08/2025 -

IM Kushagra Mohan and IM Suyog Wagh scored the big wins in the second round of 31st Abu Dhabi Chess Festival 2025 Masters. Kushagra played beautiful chess to beat GM Andrew Hong (USA). He punished his GM opponent correctly for keeping his king stranded at the middle of the board. Suyog on the other hand scored an emphatic victory over India's latest GM S Rohith Krishna. IM Soham Kamotra held GM Bartosz Socko (POL) to a draw. Soham actually had a substantial advantage which he could not capitalize on. A total of 27 players including ten Indians have both of their games in the first two rounds. Round 3 starts today at 5 p.m. local time, 6:30 p.m. IST. Photos: Aditya Sur Roy

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