Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: In a thrilling turn of events at the Late Shri Manohar Parrikar 3rd Goa International Open Grandmaster Chess Tournament 2025, IM Tologon Tegin Semetei of Kyrgyzstan has emerged as the sole leader with an impressive 7 points after eight rounds. This prestigious tournament, organized by the Goa Chess Association in collaboration with the All India Chess Federation (AICF), has been a showcase of exceptional skill and determination among global chess talents.
As the tournament reaches its climax with only two rounds remaining, the competition is intensifying, with several top players in close contention. Goa’s own IM Ameya Audi and IM Ethan Vaz are among the top contenders, highlighting the strong performance of local players.
The tournament, held at the Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Indoor Stadium in Taleigao, has seen IM Tologon Tegin Semetei surge ahead after a decisive win over GM Alexei Fedorov in Round 8. Trailing closely behind with 6½ points each are GM S.P. Sethuraman, IM Ayush Sharma, and IM Alexander Slizhevsky.
A group of eight players, including Goa’s IM Ameya Audi and IM Ethan Vaz, are in the chase with 6 points each. Other notable contenders include GM Diptayan Ghosh, IM Aronyak Ghosh, GM Alexei Fedorov, IM Sammed Jaykumar Shete, IM Rohith Krishna S, and GM Nguyen Duc Hoa. These players have consistently demonstrated strong performances, keeping the tournament alive and competitive.
In Round 8, IM Ameya Audi secured a vital win against FM Arjun Adireddy, while IM Ethan Vaz triumphed over IM Nitin S. GM Anurag Mhamal battled to a draw against CM Madhvendra Pratap Sharma, gaining half a point. However, IM Ritviz Parab faced a tough loss to FM Aravind L N Ram, though this does not diminish the overall impressive showing by Goa’s top players.
Key top board results included IM Alexander Slizhevsky and IM Aronyak Ghosh drawing their match, and GM S.P. Sethuraman defeating GM Sayantan Das in a critical encounter. IM Ayush Sharma’s victory over GM Mitrabha Guha has kept the title race wide open, setting the stage for an exciting finale.
With two rounds remaining, all eyes are on the leaders and the determined performances of Goa’s homegrown talents, making this tournament a thrilling spectacle for chess enthusiasts.