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

Certificate: SNA Seminar & Exam held in Jammu on 17 & 18 July 2026
Asian Amateur Chess Championships – 2026 (Men & Women U2300 – U2000 – U1700) in Bangkok, Thailand from 20th to 30th November, 2026.
Final report :Asian Junior Open & Girls Chess Championships 2026 in Mumbai from 16-26 August 2026
FIDE World Amateur Chess Championships – 2026 in Klang, Selangor, Malaysia from 04-13 November 2026.
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