8th Salamanca Chess Festival 2025 R1-3: Pranav V beats Ponomariov to gain early sole lead
23/10/2025 - The reigning World Junior 2025 champion, GM Pranav Venkatesh made a great start at 8th Salamanca Chess Festival 2025. He scored 2.5/3 and finished the day with a victory over the youngest World Champion, GM Ruslan Ponomariov (UKR). Pranav was in a bit of trouble. However, his opponent, instead of seizing his advantage, allowed Pranav to get back in the game. During time trouble, he blundered and Pranav won the game. Before that, Pranav defeated IM Sara Khadem (ESP) and drew against top Spanish woman, IM Sabrina Vega Gutierrez. Only one round will be played today as Simultaneous exhibition games will take place. Round 4 starts at 12:30 p.m. local time, 4 p.m. IST. Photo: Universidad de Salamanca. Comunicación Alumni - USAL