Delhi GM 2025 open chess tournament: Anandbatla Satvik claims category B title; SL Narayanan, Abhijeet Gupta draw in category A round 6

NEW DELHI: The fifth day of the 21st Delhi International Open Grandmasters Chess Tournament 2025 produced significant results, featuring the Category B conclusion and an important match between Indian top seeds, GMs S L Narayanan and Abhijeet Gupta, in the primary Grandmasters section at Tivoli Gardens, Chattarpur.Telangana's Anandbatla Satvik secured the Category B championship with an impressive 9/10 score, leading a field of over 800 competitors. His victory earned him Rs 4 lakh, setting a new record for amateur chess prize money in India. Sundram Kumar and Shaikh Sohil secured second and third positions, receiving Rs 3 lakh and Rs 2 lakh respectively, highlighting India's strengthening amateur chess scene.In Category A, the crucial match between top-ranked Indian Grandmasters SL Narayanan and Abhijeet Gupta concluded in a draw during Round 6.

Both players demonstrated sophisticated strategic play, maintaining their positions in the title race with four rounds remaining.GM Vitaly Sivuk (Sweden) and GM Alexei Fedorov (Belarus) also finished their Round 6 match in a draw, maintaining their undefeated status and joining others with 5 points from 6 rounds.GM Diptayan Ghosh and IM Neelash Saha's drawn match further tightened the competition, with several Grandmasters remaining in contention for the championship.

The tournament continues to be Asia's leading open chess competition, hosting over 2,500 participants from more than 20 nations, including 24 Grandmasters. Sanctioned by the All India Chess Federation, the event offers a substantial prize fund of Rs 1.21 crore.The Category C competition, featuring over 1,200 players, commences tomorrow, adding to this significant chess event.