Viraj Sarawgi from Assam Wins Silver at Bangkok Rapid Chess Championship

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Viraj Sarawgi won silver at the Bangkok Rapid Championship
- He scored 5.5 points in the Under-12 category
- Defeated two FIDE-rated opponents
- Coached by Durga Nagesh Guttula and Shrikanth Malladi
- Preparing for the Abu Dhabi Junior Chess Championship
Bangkok, Feb 10 (NationPress) Rising chess prodigy from Assam, Viraj Sarawgi, a fifth-grade student at Royal Global School, Guwahati, showcased an outstanding performance at the Bangkok Rapid Chess Championship, which took place on Sunday at Kings College, Bang Phong Phang, Bangkok. Competing in the Under-12 division, Viraj achieved the silver medal with a remarkable score of 5.5 points out of 6 rounds, making a significant impact in this competitive international arena.
The event saw participation from approximately 250 players hailing from seven different countries, establishing itself as a prestigious platform for budding chess talents. Entering the tournament as an unrated participant, Viraj surprised many by defeating two experienced FIDE-rated competitors - Kultungkijsaree Poom (1502) and Juntongjin Prin (1496). His sole defeat was against the tournament champion, Ayan Mukherjee (1596).
Viraj draws inspiration from Grandmaster D. Gukesh, aspiring to emulate his success and eventually become a world champion. He has refined his abilities under the mentorship of esteemed coaches Durga Nagesh Guttula and Shrikanth Malladi, who have commended his dedication, keen tactical acumen, and unyielding fighting spirit.
“Viraj is a naturally gifted player with a bold approach to chess. His capability to face seasoned, rated opponents with assurance highlights his potential. We take great pride in his accomplishments and are confident he has a promising future,” stated coach Durga Nagesh Guttula.
Currently, Viraj is gearing up for his next significant challenge - the Abu Dhabi Junior Chess Championship in August, where he intends to extend his winning streak and bring pride to India on the global stage.