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Tag: #IndianChess

IM Ajay Santhosh Scores Podium Finish in Mumbai, Now Just Two Norms Away from Becoming Grandmaster

Nineteen-year-old IM P. Ajay Santhosh has kept his Grandmaster dream firmly on track with a stellar third-place finish at the 360 One Masters Chess Tournament, held at the World Trade Centre in Mumbai.

Competing in a 56-player field with an average rating of 2356, the Hyderabad-born IM scored 6 points from 9 rounds — finishing behind winner GM Iniyan P (7.5/9) and Russian GM Boris Savchenko (6.5/9). Seeded fourth with a FIDE rating of 2503, Ajay outsmarted several seasoned Grandmasters to claim his spot on the podium.

The Road to Grandmaster

The 19-year-old is now tantalizingly close to the GM title, having already:

  • Crossed the 2500 FIDE rating barrier
  • Secured his first GM norm at the Baku Open 2026 earlier this year

Two more norms stand between him and India’s most coveted chess distinction.

A Packed International Schedule

A grueling international circuit awaits as Ajay pursues his remaining norms:

  • Chola Chess GM Round Robin in Chennai (June 20–28)
  • Chess Festival Ceske Budejovice 2026 in the Czech Republic
  • Paris Masters in France
  • Dole Open in Aix-en-Provence, France

A Campaign Without Institutional Support

Backed by his family and travel sponsor Viyona Fintech, Hyderabad, Ajay is pursuing his title campaign largely without institutional support. The cost of competing across four tournaments on two continents is substantial, and his camp continues to seek corporate backing to sustain one of Indian chess’s most promising GM pursuits.

A Bright Future

Ajay’s performance at the 360 One Masters demonstrates his growing maturity and ability to compete against seasoned Grandmasters. As he embarks on this critical European and domestic circuit, the chess world will be watching closely to see if he can secure the final two norms and join the elite ranks of Indian Grandmasters.

Divith Reddy Adulla Wins World Under-8 Chess Championship

Montesilvano, Italy – A new star has emerged in the world of chess! Divith Reddy Adulla, just 8 years old and hailing from Telangana, India, has become the World Under-8 Chess Champion, clinching the Gold Medal at the 2024 FIDE World Cadet Chess Championship.

The championship, held in Montesilvano, Italy, brought together hundreds of young talents from over 80 countries. In the highly competitive Under-8 Open category, Divith displayed exceptional grit and brilliance, finishing with a formidable score of 9 out of 11 points.

🔥 A Remarkable Journey to the Top

Divith began the tournament with a powerful start, winning his first four games. However, the path wasn’t entirely smooth—he faced back-to-back defeats in rounds five and six. But it was his response to these setbacks that truly showcased his champion spirit. Undeterred, he bounced back magnificently, winning his final five consecutive games, a streak that propelled him to the top of the leaderboard.

His score tied with two other top performers—Sattwik Swain from India and Guo Ziming from China—but based on tie-breaks, Divith emerged as the overall champion, securing the gold medal for India.

🏆 Final Standings – Under-8 Open (Top 3)

PositionPlayerCountryScore
🥇 1st PlaceDivith Reddy AdullaIndia9/11
🥈 2nd PlaceSattwik SwainIndia9/11
🥉 3rd PlaceGuo ZimingChina9/11

🇮🇳 A Proud Moment for India and Telangana

Divith’s victory adds to India’s growing reputation as a chess powerhouse, especially in youth categories. His success reflects the tremendous potential of Indian chess at the grassroots level, supported by parents, coaches, and chess academies across the country.

For Telangana, Divith’s achievement marks a significant milestone, inspiring countless young players from the region to dream big and aim high on the global stage.

👏 Rising Star with a Bright Future

At just eight years of age, Divith has already demonstrated maturity, resilience, and exceptional tactical understanding—qualities that are rare even among much older players. His composure after setbacks and ability to win under pressure suggest a future filled with promise.

Chess lovers and followers across the country are celebrating his triumph, with many calling him a future Grandmaster in the making. As Divith returns home with the gold, his journey will undoubtedly inspire a new generation of young chess enthusiasts.

Congratulations, Divith! The chess world applauds your brilliant performance—and eagerly awaits your next big move.