Saptorshi Gupta clear first at New Zealand Fischer Random Championship 2025
Saptorshi Gupta scored an unbeaten 5.5/6 to win New Zealand Fischer Random Championship 2025. He finished a half point ahead of the rest. FM Felix Xie (NZL) scored 5/6 to finish second overall. However, Felix is declared as the official champion as he is the highest finisher among New Zealand players. CM Kendrick Botong Zhang (NZL) and FM Alphaeus Wei Arn Ang (NZL) scored 4.5/6 each. They shared third place. The total prize fund was NZ$ 2450. The top three prizes were NZ$ 500, 350 and 250. This was Saptorshi's second of the year and overall third triumph in New Zealand. Photo: New Zealand Chess News
Saptorshi's second triumph of the year
Saptorshi Gupta was the sole leader 4/5, heading into the last round. He had a full point lead over the competition. A draw was enough for him to become a clear winner and that's what he did against the eventual runner-up, CM Kendrick Botong Zhang (NZL). As we have mentioned in our previous reports, Saptorshi is a Ph.D. Scholar. at University of Auckland. He plays chess whenever he gets some time between his research work. So winning a Fischer Random tournaent ahead of strong and seasoned players is definitely a commendable feat.
Players in action | Photo: New Zealand Chess News
A total of 24 players took part from various parts of New Zealand, one from India and Romania. The one-day six-round Swiss League Fischer Random tournament was organized by North Shore Chess Cub at Takapuna War Memorial Hall in Auckland, New Zealand on 22nd November 2025. The time control of the tournament was 25 minutes + 5 seconds increment.
Final standings
| Pos | Player | Rtg | Fed | Pts | DE | PS | BH | SB | BH/C1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 6 Saptorshi, Gupta | 2029 |  IND | 5.5 | 0 | 20.5 | 22.0 | 19.8 | 21.0 |
| 2 | 1 FM Xie, Felix | 2312 |  NZL | 5.0 | 0 | 19.0 | 22.0 | 16.5 | 19.5 |
| 3 | 8 CM Zhang, Kendrick Botong | 1981 | NZL | 4.5 | 0 | 15.5 | 21.0 | 13.2 | 20.0 |
| 4 | 2 FM Ang, Alphaeus Wei Ern | 2300 | NZL | 4.5 | 0 | 15.5 | 20.5 | 13.2 | 18.0 |
Links
New Zealand Chess Federation: Official site and fb page
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Saptorshi Gupta wins Auckland Waitangi Weekender 2025
@ 17/02/2025 by Shahid Ahmed (en) |
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Saptorshi Gupta dominates Summit Rookies August Rapid Rating Open 2024 with a perfect score
@ 29/08/2024 by Shahid Ahmed (en) |