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 of National Under 11 Chess Championship 2026 in Mangaluru from 02-08 August 2026
Fide Trainer Seminar in Mohali from 02-04 October 2026
SNA Seminar & Exam at Amity University, Near Chandigarh Airport, Airport Road, Mohali, Punjab on 03 & 04 October 2026.
SNA Seminar & Exam at Chenduran college of Engineering , Lenavilakku, Pudukkottai District ,Tamil Nadu on 31 October & 01 November 2026
FIDE World Championships U7, U9, U11, U13, U15 & U17 – 2026 in Roquetas de Mar, Spain from 13th to 21st October 2026