Chennai, India: Veteran Belarusian Grandmaster Aleksej Aleksandrov emerged as the champion of the First Chola Chess International IM Norm Round Robin Tournament 2026, finishing at the top of the standings after nine hard-fought rounds with an impressive 6.5/9.
Aleksandrov’s consistent performance throughout the event earned him the title ahead of a strong international field featuring titled players from India, Sri Lanka, Belarus, and Russia. India’s FIDE Master Daakshin Arun secured the runner-up position with 6 points, delivering a commendable performance against experienced opposition. Sri Lanka’s International Master L. M. S. T. De Silva completed the podium with 5.5 points.
Among the Indian contingent, FIDE Master Aarit Kapil and FIDE Master Madhvendra Pratap Sharma shared fourth and fifth places respectively, both finishing on 5 points. FIDE Master Madhesh Kumar S and FIDE Master Arshpreet Singh ended with 4 points each after a competitive tournament.
Sri Lanka’s Woman International Master Devindya Oshini Gunawardhana finished eighth with 3.5 points, while Indian FIDE Master Pranav K. P. scored 3 points. Russian International Master David Gochelashvili rounded out the standings with 2.5 points.
From tactical skirmishes in the opening to marathon endgame battles, the tournament offered spectators a rich display of fighting chess. Players from four different countries competed across nine rounds, with every half-point proving crucial in the race for the title. The event not only highlighted experienced campaigners but also provided a valuable platform for emerging talents to test themselves against international opposition.
The event also highlighted the growing stature of India’s chess calendar, attracting experienced grandmasters alongside rising young talents from across Asia and Europe.
Final Standings
- GM Aleksej Aleksandrov (Belarus) – 6.5/9
- FM Daakshin Arun (India) – 6/9
- IM L. M. S. T. De Silva (Sri Lanka) – 5.5/9
- FM Aarit Kapil (India) – 5/9
- FM Madhvendra Pratap Sharma (India) – 5/9
- FM Madhesh Kumar S (India) – 4/9
- FM Arshpreet Singh (India) – 4/9
- WIM Devindya Oshini Gunawardhana (Sri Lanka) – 3.5/9
- FM Pranav K. P. (India) – 3/9
- IM David Gochelashvili (Russia) – 2.5/9
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The successful conclusion of the tournament marks a promising beginning for what is expected to become a significant annual event in the international chess calendar, offering strong competitive opportunities for aspiring masters while bringing elite-level chess to Indian audiences. With continued practice and preparation through online platforms like Chessveda, more players from different countries can sharpen their skills and prepare themselves for future norm tournaments and international success. Stay updated with every tournament through Chessveda, download the app for more news, tournaments, online chess learning, practice puzzles and much more.
BY PURVI SEHRAWAT
