Can Nikitenko Surpass Gupta in the Delhi GM Open?
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Synopsis
In a thrilling Round 8 of the Delhi GM Open, Belarusian Grandmaster Mihail Nikitenko defeated Luka Paichadze, tying with Abhijeet Gupta for the lead. With only two rounds left, the competition intensifies as top players vie for glory in Asia's premier chess tournament.
Key Takeaways
- Mihail Nikitenko achieved a crucial victory against Luka Paichadze.
- Abhijeet Gupta maintains a joint lead with Nikitenko.
- Over 2,500 players are competing in the tournament.
- The prize pool is a record Rs 1.21 crore.
- Category C has 1,250 participants competing for INR 35 lakhs.
New Delhi, June 12 (NationPress) Belarusian Grandmaster Mihail Nikitenko, in a compelling Round 8 performance, triumphed over Georgian GM Luka Paichadze during the 21st Delhi International Open Grandmasters Chess Tournament (Delhi GM Open) 2025. This victory allowed Nikitenko to catch up with Abhijeet Gupta, both now sharing the lead at the top of the standings with seven points each as the tournament approaches its conclusion.
The Delhi GM Open remains the pinnacle of open chess in Asia, attracting over 2,500 competitors from more than 20 countries, including 24 Grandmasters. This prestigious event, organized by the All India Chess Federation, features a record prize pool of Rs 1.21 crore, solidifying its place in India’s chess history.
Previously the sole leader, Gupta, who is a three-time former champion of the Delhi GM Open—a record that stands unmatched—faced off against Armenian GM Manuel Petrosyan in an intense match on Wednesday. The game, marked by fierce exchanges, ended in a draw, granting both players an additional half point.
In the race to catch the leaders, GM SL Narayan, the tournament's highest-rated competitor, drew with International Master Neelash Saha of India, keeping them in contention. Meanwhile, Indian IM Aronyak Ghosh and Swedish GM Vitaly Sivuk also played to a stalemate, while GM Diptayan Ghosh secured a victory against Russian GM Boris Savchenko, all three finishing Round 8 with six and a half points, just behind the leaders.
Additional Grandmasters Aditya S Samant, Mamikon Gharibyan (Armenia), and Aleksej Aleksandrov (Belarus) each emerged victorious in their matches during Round 8. Other notable winners included GMs Venkataraman Kartik, Nguyen Doc Hoa (Vietnam), and MR Venkatesh, although they remain a point or more away from the top of the leaderboard.
On the same day, the competition in Category C continued, with 1,250 participants vying for a prize pool of INR 35 lakhs. This section will wrap up on Saturday, June 14, with the winner set to claim INR 4 lakhs.
Point of View
It is crucial to emphasize the significance of the Delhi GM Open, not just as a chess tournament, but as a celebration of skill, strategy, and international camaraderie. The impressive turnout of participants from diverse backgrounds reflects the growing popularity of chess in India, highlighting the country's role as a key player in the global chess arena.
NationPress
13/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Delhi GM Open?
The Delhi GM Open is Asia's premier open chess tournament, attracting top players from around the world.
How many players are participating?
The tournament features over 2,500 participants from more than 20 countries.
What is the prize pool for the tournament?
The total prize pool for the Delhi GM Open stands at a record Rs 1.21 crore.
When does the tournament conclude?
The tournament will conclude on June 14, 2025.
Who are the current leaders?
The current leaders are Mihail Nikitenko and Abhijeet Gupta, both with seven points.
