Evgeniy Podolchenko triumphs at Sakthi Group 38th Tamil Nadu IM-norm RR 2025, Ashwin Sairam third
IM Diasmany Otero Acosta (CUB) scored 6.5/9 to win Sakthi Group 38th Tamil Nadu IM-norm Round-Robin 2025. He finished a half point ahead of the rest. GM Evgeniy Podolchenko and FM Ashwin Sairam scored 6/9 each. They were placed second and third respectively according to tie-breaks. The top three prizes were ₹45000, ₹27000 and ₹18000 each respectively. Check out the report by the tournament coordinator, IA FI S Paul Arokia Raj along with annotated games of Ashwin Sairam and Aadik Theophane Lenin, the players themselves. Photos: IA FI S Paul Arokia Raj
Only Podolchenko remains undefeated
International Master Otero Acosta Dismany of Cuba emerged as the convincing champion of the Sakthi Group 38th Tamil Nadu IM-Norm Closed Circuit Chess Tournament, which concluded on 6th December 2025 at Hotel Alankar Grande, Coimbatore. Displaying consistency and composure throughout the nine-round event, Acosta tallied an impressive 6.5 points, securing the top prize of ₹45000.
Grandmaster Evgeniy Podelchenko (BLR) finished as the first runner-up with 6 points, remaining as the only unbeaten player of the tournament. He edged out FM Ashwin Sairam of Chennai on the Sonneborn–Berger tiebreak, with Ashwin settling for third place. The runners-up were awarded ₹27000 and ₹18000 each respectively.
The prize distribution ceremony was graced by Dr. S Kapilan, CEO, Akshaya College of Engineering and Technology, Coimbatore. Also present were IA S. Paul Arokia Raj, Tournament Coordinator, IA B Dheenagaran, Chief Arbiter, Thiru. K Dhanasekar, Secretary, Coimbatore District Chess Association Mr. M Yousuf, Joint Secretary, Coimbatore District Chess Association.
Otero began with superb momentum, scoring 3/3. In Round 3, he handled the black pieces with precision in the Moscow variation of the Sicilian Defense, gradually exchanging pieces to reach a theoretically winning king and pawn endgame. IM Palencia Morales was eventually forced to concede.
The fourth round brought the Cuban his only loss of the tournament, delivered by Chennai collegian FM Ashwin Sairam. Demonstrating excellent opening preparation in the Morra Gambit, Ashwin transitioned into a rook-and-minor-piece ending, where he skillfully maneuvered to create a decisive passed pawn.
This victory propelled Ashwin into the sole lead with 3.5 points, while Otero and GM Evgeniy close on his heels with 3 points each. Curiously, all five games of this round ended up with the decisive result.
Otero Acosta regained rhythm by defeating IM Raul Claverie (ARG) in Round 5. With the other top-board games ending in draws, Otero joined Ashwin in the lead with 4 points, while GM Evgeniy stayed in contention with 3.5 points.
Round 6 proved challenging for Ashwin, who suffered his only loss to IM Raul Claverie. In a surprising tactical moment, Claverie stalemated his own queen on a1, unsettling the balance and seizing the initiative. Ashwin’s mismanagement of his kingside pawns further allowed Claverie to convert the advantage confidently. By the time Otero split point against FM Gireman Ja and regained his sole leadership with 4.5 points.
In the seventh round, Otero consolidated his advantage with a fluent victory over Nandish V. S., stretching his lead to a full point over his nearest rivals.
In the penultimate round, Otero opted for a solid approach and secured a safe draw against GM Evgeniy, maintaining his lead with 6 points. Trailing him by a point were Evgeniy, Ashwin, and Gireman Ja.
A draw was sufficient for the Cuban to clinch the crown in the final round. Although Aadik Theophane Lenin initially declined Otero’s offer for peace, the game eventually settled into a draw, allowing Otero to finish on top with 6.5 points.
On the other two boards GM Evgeniy defeated Claverie Raul and FM Ashwin overcame Oblitas ensuring their second and third places, respectively. Gireman was held to a draw by Nandish thereby slipping out of contention.
Replay all games
Final standings
| Rk. | SNo | Name | FED | Rtg | Pts. | TB1 | TB2 | TB3 | TB4 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 7 | IM | Otero Acosta, Diasmany | CUB | 2306 | 6,5 | 0 | 24,75 | 5 | 2 |
| 2 | 2 | GM | Podolchenko, Evgeniy | BLR | 2341 | 6 | 0 | 26,5 | 3 | 1 |
| 3 | 10 | FM | Ashwin, Sairam | IND | 2284 | 6 | 0 | 25,25 | 4 | 2 |
| 4 | 9 | CM | Gireman, Ja | IND | 2218 | 5,5 | 0 | 22,25 | 3 | 1 |
| 5 | 8 | IM | Claverie, Raul | ARG | 2164 | 4,5 | 0 | 17,75 | 3 | 2 |
| 6 | 1 | FM | Nandish, V S | IND | 2201 | 4 | 1 | 15,5 | 2 | 1 |
| 7 | 3 | CM | Aadik, Theophane Lenin | IND | 2235 | 4 | 2 | 15,5 | 2 | 1 |
| 8 | 4 | FM | Ankit, Ray | IND | 2225 | 3 | 0 | 13,75 | 0 | 0 |
| 9 | 6 | IM | Palencia Morales, Wilson Guillermo | COL | 2229 | 3 | 0 | 12,5 | 0 | 0 |
| 10 | 5 | IM | Oblitas, Carlomagno | PER | 2321 | 2,5 | 0 | 10,25 | 0 | 0 |
About the Author
Paul Arokia Raj is a Grade-A International Arbiter. He is one of the most reputed arbiters of India. He has officiated many top events. He is a former National Sub-Junior champion and his career high rating was 2205. He was also the coach of University of Madras for nearly 20 years. Best among his products is GM Sundararajan Kidambi. He is now working as Assistant Traffic Manager in Chennai Port Authority and he was All India Major Ports Chess Champion for nearly 20 years.
The report was edited by Shahid Ahmed
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