Grandmaster Leon Luke Mendonca beat compatriot International Master Prraneeth Vuppala in the final round to become champion in the strongest Baku Open at Azerbaijan. With seven points, he tied for the pole position along with GM Aleksndar Indjic and GM Vladislav Kovalev but better tie break score helped Leon to clinch the title while Indjic and Kovalev finished as first and second runner up respectively.

Meanwhile, WGM Divya Deshmukh performed exceedingly well to achieve her third and final IM Norm in the event to become the next International Master of the country. She received third prize in the Women’s category.

All India Chess Federation congratulate Leon Luke Mendonca and Divya Deshmukh for their outstanding performances.
PC : Lana Photography

Live link for National Rapid Chess Championship 2025-26 in Jharkhand from 11-13 March 2026
Certificate :SNA Seminar & Exam in Madurai on 27 & 28 December 2025
Certificates of SNA Seminar & Exam in Ahmedabad on 02 & 03 Jan 2026
Live Links for 13th National Amateur Chess Championship 2025-26
Vacancy Announcement