Raunak Sadhwani wins FIDE World Junior Rapid 2023 Open, Second in Blitz
18/10/2023 - GM Raunak Sadhwani scored 8.5/11 to win FIDE World Junior Rapid 2023 Open. He finished a half point ahead of the field. Despite suffering two losses in the first five rounds, the teenager won the next four games, drew the penultimate round against the eventual Silver medalist GM Arseniy Nesterov. He finished with a victory over IM Tobias Koelle (GER) to become a clear champion. GM Nesterov and IM Dimitris Alexakis (GRE) were placed second and third respectively according to tie-breaks. GM Mahammad Muradli (AZE) won the Blitz Open event scoring 9.5/11. GM Raunak Sadhwani scored sole 8.5/11 to be placed second. IM Arystan Isanzhulov (KAZ) was placed third. This is Raunak's second consecutive triumph of the month after winning 38th European Club Cup 2023 Open for Offerspill Sjakklubb along with Magnus Carlsen and Pranav Venkatesh. Photos: Nikiel.Photos