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

Chess Problem Corner
20th Asian Schools Chess Championships – 2026 in Tula region ,Russia from 1st to 11th October 2026.
SNA Seminar & Exam in Guwahati , Assam on 02 & 03 September 2026
SNA Seminar & Exam at The Heritage School, Tarapith, West Bengal on 02 & 03 October 2026
Final report :SNA Seminar & Exam held in Jammu on 17 & 18 July 2026