Iniyan clinches Global Chess Festival Masters Title

Grandmaster Iniyan Pa showcased his class and consistency to emerge as the champion in the Masters category of the Global Chess Festival, capping an unbeaten campaign with a comfortable draw in the final round on Friday.

The 24-year-old national champion, making his debut appearance in the tournament, secured the title after drawing against Ajay Santhosh Parvathareddy in the last round. Iniyan finished with 7.5 points, remaining unbeaten throughout the competition and conceding only three draws. He also pocketed the winner’s prize of Rs 8 lakh.

Russian Grandmaster Boris Savchenko finished second with 6.5 points after drawing his final-round game against Aakash Sharadchandra Dalvi.

In the Challenger Category, sixth-seeded Nithin Babu claimed the title after defeating Ashirwad Swain in a crucial final-round encounter. He earned Rs 3 lakh and secured direct qualification to next year’s Masters category.

The Junior Master Category was won by 13-year-old top seed Madhvendra Pratap Sharma, who finished with eight points after drawing his final-round game against A Amanlal. Madhvendra received Rs 2 lakh and a trophy and also earned promotion to next year’s Masters section.

The tournament, regarded as one of the richest chess events for young players, witnessed strong performances across categories, highlighting emerging talent in Indian chess.