By Arvind Aaron
Dronavalli Harika came from behind to win the second game against Tan Zhongyi of China and force the tie-break at Tehran. Having mated her Chinese opponent in 162 moves with the bishop and knight, Harika has the upperhand in the tiebreak having won the last played game.
The tie-break games will decide which Asian will face Anna Muzychuk of Ukraine in the finals. Muzychuk beat A Kosteniuk of Russia 2-0 in the other semifinals. Anna Muzychuk’s younger sister Marina Muzuchuk was world women’s champion a couple of years before.
Commonwealth Chess Championship – 2026 – 27 in Kaluthara, Sri Lanka from 16th to 26th May, 2026. 
GM Suleymenov Alisher Clinches Title at the 1st Chola Chess International Grandmaster Round Robin Tournament 2026. 
TENTATIVE NATIONAL CALENDAR FOR 2026-27 
Announcement : Medical Evaluation in Chennai on 27 & 28 February 2026. 
World Cadet & Youth Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships – 2026 in Vrnjacka Banja – Serbia from 14th to 21st April, 2026 
Submission of G-Form for Shirt & Tie for IA’s & FA’s