Key Points

The Delhi GM Open 2025 is showcasing exceptional chess talent with top Indian grandmasters battling intensely. Narayanan S L and Deepan Chakkravarthy are leading the pack after three perfect rounds. The tournament features over 2,500 players from multiple countries, highlighting India's growing chess prowess. With a record prize pool and competitive matches, the event continues to be a significant platform for emerging chess talents.

Key Points: Narayanan Leads Delhi GM Open Chess Showdown 2025

  • Narayanan S L maintains perfect 3/3 score
  • Deepan Chakkravarthy joins top leaderboard
  • 2,500 players from 20+ countries compete
  • Record ₹1.21 crore prize pool
2 min read

Delhi GM Open 2025: Deepan Chakkravarthy, Narayanan, Sivuk among leaders after Day 2

Top Indian GMs battle in Delhi's premier chess tournament, with Narayanan, Deepan leading after perfect start in competitive field

"The leaderboard remains tightly packed heading into an exciting Day 3 - Tournament Report"

New Delhi, June 8

Day 2 of the 21st Delhi International Open Grandmasters Chess Tournament 2025 brought double the drama as players faced off in Rounds 2 and 3 at Tivoli Gardens, Chattarpur. With two classical-format games scheduled for the day, stamina and precision were put to the test as early leaders began to emerge.

India’s top seed GM Narayanan S L (2600) continued his flawless run, moving to 3/3 after defeating Arnav Agarwal (2096) in Round 3. Joining him at the top of the table are GM Deepan Chakkravarthy (2410), GM Vitaly Sivuk (2522), GM Mihail Nikitenko (2520), GM Karthik Venkataraman (2550), GM Abhijeet Gupta (2538), and IM Arsen Davtyan (2402), all of whom registered three wins in three rounds. The leaderboard remains tightly packed heading into an exciting Day 3.

IM Aronyak Ghosh (2510) also maintained his perfect score with a composed win over Guru Prakash, keeping pace with the front-runners in a fiercely competitive field.

The day was equally memorable for India’s emerging crop of players. Vairaj Sogerwal, still riding high on his Round 1 upset over GM Karen H Grigoryan, continued to showcase resilience against stronger opponents. Singh Arshpreet (2075) moved to 2/3 with another composed showing, while FM J Ramakrishna (2036) and CM Akila Kavinda (2010) also stood at 2 points.

Adding to the surprises, Sai Kuchibhotla (2014) delivered a gritty performance to hold GM Tornike Sanikidse (2425) to a draw, a result that exemplifies the rising standard of India’s grassroots chess talent.

Now in its 21st edition, the Delhi GM Open has cemented its place as Asia’s largest classical-format open chess tournament. With over 2,500 players from 20+ countries, including 24 Grandmasters, and a record prize pool of ₹1.21 crore, the tournament continues to offer a platform for India’s brightest prospects to take on global heavyweights.

Organized under the aegis of the All India Chess Federation, the event remains a cornerstone of India’s competitive chess calendar and a true celebration of the sport’s growing appeal.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
What a performance by our Indian players! Narayanan is showing why he's our top seed. The depth in Indian chess is amazing now - from GMs to young talents like Vairaj and Arshpreet holding their own. Chess is truly becoming India's sport! 🇮🇳♟️
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Priya M.
So proud to see Delhi hosting such a prestigious event! The tournament has come a long way in 21 editions. Though I wish there was more media coverage - chess deserves prime time attention like cricket gets. These players are our real sports heroes!
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Amit S.
Deepan Chakkravarthy's consistency is remarkable for someone with a lower rating than others in the lead group. Shows rating isn't everything! Also great to see Sai Kuchibhotla's fighting spirit against a GM. These performances prove Indian chess is no longer about 1-2 stars but has real depth.
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Sneha R.
The organizers deserve applause for maintaining such high standards year after year. But one suggestion - can we have more commentary streams in regional languages? Chess is popular across India and language shouldn't be a barrier for fans to follow the action.
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Vikram J.
Interesting to see so many foreign GMs participating. The level of competition is world class! Though I must say our Indian players seem better prepared - look at how many are leading after Day 2. Vishy Anand's legacy continues to inspire new generations.
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Neha P.
As a chess mom, this gives me so much hope! My daughter is 10 and dreams of playing in such tournaments. The infrastructure and opportunities for young players have improved so much. Kudos to AICF for nurturing talent at all levels. Wishing all players best of luck for Day 3!

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