Chennai, India: The Second Chola Chess International GM Norm Round Robin Tournament 2026 came to an exciting conclusion after nine rounds of high-quality classical chess, bringing together an impressive mix of experienced Grandmasters and ambitious International Masters from around the world. The tournament once again highlighted India’s growing reputation as a destination for elite international chess events.
Polish Grandmaster Michal Krasenkow emerged as the tournament champion, finishing with a commanding 7 points from nine games. His calm approach, accurate calculation, and wealth of experience allowed him to stay ahead of a competitive field throughout the event. Krasenkow’s consistent performances against strong opposition ultimately earned him the top spot in the standings.
Indian International Master Harshavardhan G B produced one of the tournament’s standout performances, securing second place with 6.5 points. Demonstrating excellent preparation and resilience, he remained in title contention until the final round. With his performance in the tournament, Harshavardhan earned his third and final GM norm while surpassing the 2500 Elo mark, fulfilling all the requirements to become India’s 97th Grandmaster. His result reflects the continued progress of India’s talented young chess players on the international stage.
Third place was shared on points by IM Harsh Suresh and GM Mikhail Nikitenko, both finishing with 5 points. Harsh Suresh impressed with his fearless style and ability to hold his own against higher-rated opponents, while Nikitenko’s experience ensured a strong finish after a challenging start to the competition.
Another noteworthy performance came from IM Ajay Santhosh Parvathareddy, who concluded the tournament with 4.5 points. Belarusian Grandmaster Alexei Fedorov and Indian IM Anuj Shrivatri each scored 4 points, while IM Dhulipalla Bala Chandra Prasad and IM Kushagra Mohan finished with 3.5 points. French International Master Antoine Bournel completed the standings with 2 points after battling through a demanding field.
The tournament showcased a blend of seasoned professionals and rising stars, creating exciting contests in every round. Several games featured deep opening preparation, tactical brilliance, and finely played endgames, providing spectators with plenty of memorable moments. The round-robin format ensured that every participant faced each other, making consistency a key factor in determining the final standings.
The Second Chola Chess International GM Norm Round Robin Tournament 2026 demonstrated the growing strength of international chess in India. Beyond the final results, the event served as a valuable platform for title aspirants to gain experience against elite opposition while promoting competitive chess at the highest level.
Also Read: GM Aleksej Aleksandrov Wins First Chola Chess International IM Norm Round Robin Tournament 2026
As another successful edition comes to a close, the tournament continues to strengthen its reputation as one of India’s premier international chess competitions, with fans already looking forward to the next chapter of world-class chess action. 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
