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

Final Report: Senior National Arbiter Seminar & Examination at Visakhapatnam – 02 & 03 May 2026
SNA Seminar & Exam on 25 & 26 May 2026 at KIIT University ,Bhubaneshwar .
FIDE ARBITER SEMINAR, Vijayawada (INDIA) from 24-26 April 2026
Asian Rapid & Blitz Chess Championship 2026, scheduled to be held from 27th to 31st July 2026 at Hong Kong.