12-Year-Old CM Vyom Malhotra Scores 2nd IM Norm at Czech Open 2026
Twelve-year-old Candidate Master Vyom Malhotra from Haryana achieved a significant milestone at the Czech Open 2026 A – Pardubice Open, securing his second IM norm and crossing the 2400 Elo on the live rating list. The young Indian talent delivered a wonderful performance; he gained an impressive 140.8 rating points with a rating performance of 2494. Vyom's trainer, GM Shardul Gagare, wrote that Vyom faced technical issues with his laptop throughout the tournament, but managed his prep and training using his mobile.
Another Talent to watch out for
Vyom is working with GM Shardul Gagare, and after Vyom's wonderful achievement, Shardul shared a note on his Instagram.
Congratulations to my 12-year-old student, Vyom Malhotra, on achieving his 2nd IM Norm at the Czech Open 2026 and crossing the 2400 FIDE rating mark. Despite technical issues with his laptop throughout the event, he did all his preparation and training sessions on a mobile phone. His fearless approach, relentless hard work, and determination helped him achieve another IM norm and come agonizingly close to his first GM Norm. I'm sure his IM Title and GM norms are not far away. Proud to be a part of his journey.
Replay all the games played by Vyom
Final Ranking after 9 Rounds
Rk. | SNo |
| Name | sex | FED | Rtg | Pts. | TB1 | TB2 | TB3 | TB4 | K | rtg+/- | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 6 | GM | GER | 2499 | 7,5 | 44,5 | 48 | 39,75 | 5 | 10 | 12 | |||
2 | 36 | FM | CZE | 2373 | 7,5 | 44 | 47 | 39,5 | 5 | 10 | 14,5 | |||
3 | 5 | IM | CZE | 2504 | 7 | 48,5 | 51,5 | 38,25 | 4 | 10 | 12,5 | |||
4 | 14 | GM | TKM | 2427 | 7 | 47 | 51,5 | 39,5 | 5 | 10 | 13 | |||
5 | 11 | GM | IND | 2478 | 7 | 46 | 49,5 | 36,75 | 4 | 10 | 6,1 | |||
6 | 4 | IM | IND | 2517 | 7 | 45 | 47 | 36 | 5 | 10 | 2,8 | |||
7 | 66 | FM | POL | 2281 | 7 | 43 | 47 | 35,25 | 5 | 20 | 46,4 | |||
8 | 1 | GM | UKR | 2621 | 6,5 | 49,5 | 53,5 | 36,75 | 4 | 10 | -4,8 | |||
9 | 3 | GM | SVK | 2539 | 6,5 | 49 | 53 | 36,25 | 4 | 10 | 1,7 | |||
10 | 2 | GM | ITA | 2551 | 6,5 | 48,5 | 53,5 | 36,5 | 4 | 10 | -0,4 |
Huge congratulations to Vyom, his parents, and his coach on this wonderful achievement!