Chennai, Aug 14 (NationPress) Vincent Keymer achieved a significant milestone at the Chennai Grandmasters 2025, claiming the title with a round to spare and making history as the first sole champion of the tournament. The 20-year-old German player, using the white pieces, drew his match against Jordan van Foreest from the Netherlands, while outcomes from other matches confirmed his victory.

Keymer's exceptional performance against a competitive field has also propelled him into the world's Top 10 on the live rating list, marking his emergence as a key player in the chess world.

Now in its third edition, the Chennai Grandmasters 2025 is recognized as India's premier classical chess tournament. Organized by MGD1, it features two elite 10-player round-robin groups—the Masters and the Challengers—over nine rounds within nine days. With a total prize pool of Rs 1 crore, the winner of the Masters section receives Rs 25 lakh, while the Challengers victor earns Rs 7 lakh and a prized spot in the 2026 Masters. Additionally, the event awards FIDE Circuit points, with the Masters champion acquiring 24.5 points toward qualification for the 2026 Candidates.

Reflecting on his success, Keymer expressed, "I am truly delighted with my performance in the tournament. Winning early rounds boosted my self-confidence, enabling me to stay focused, concentrated, and calm. Achieving a place in the top 10 live ratings has been a long-term goal, and I am thrilled that my hard work has finally borne fruit.”

“Winning the tournament while breaking into the Top 10 feels extraordinary. However, the tournament continues tomorrow, so I intend to maintain my focus and keep up the pressure for the final round. Securing this title is a remarkable achievement, but I am equally eager to retain my position in the Top 10, which requires either a draw or a win in my next game,” he added.

In the Masters section, all five matches resulted in draws, a rare occurrence that leaves the competition for second and third places wide open heading into the concluding round. Arjun Erigaisi and Karthikeyan Murali will face off on the final day, alongside several close contenders, making every half-point critical for both standings and essential FIDE rating improvements.

In the Challengers, GM Pranesh M solidified his lead with a vital win against GM Harika Dronavalli, taking a half-point advantage (6.5) into the last day. Close behind, GM Abhimanyu Puranik stayed competitive by defeating GM Diptayan Ghosh, while GM Leon Luke Mendonca drew with GM Pa Iniyan, keeping him tied with Abhimanyu and just half a point from the top. GM Adhiban Baskaran's victory over IM Harshavardhan GB and GM Aryan Chopra's win against GM Vaishali Rameshbabu concluded the day’s events.