IM Gomez Sanchez Jorge Marcos of Cuba wins the Sakthi Group 35th IM Norm
The 35th edition of the Sakthi Group Tamil Nadu IM Norm Closed Circuit Chess Tournament – Chennai concluded successfully with a colourful closing ceremony, marking the end of an intense and memorable chess event.
Winner of Sakthi Group 35th IM Norm IM Gomes receiving his trophy and cash prize from the chief guest
Grandmaster Shyam Sundar M, Indian Chess Team Coach, presided over the function and distributed the cash prizes and trophies to the winners. The event was graced by distinguished guests including Thiru D. V. Sundar, former Vice President, FIDE; Thiru Stephen Balasamy P., General Secretary, TNSCA & Tournament Director; Thiru Srinivasan R, Treasurer, TNSCA; FI & IA Bhaskar V, Tournament Coordinator; and Thirumathi Srirenga Nachiar, Chief Arbiter of the tournament.
The final round witnessed nail-biting encounters as all participants fought hard for top honours, producing thrilling and high-quality games.
In the standout performances of the day:
- Mr. Hemanth Raam of Tamil Nadu showcased sharp calculation and tactical prowess to defeat IM Wilson Guillermo Palencia Morales of Colombia in 27 moves in a Queen’s Pawn Opening.
- FM Anirudhha Potawad of Thane triumphed over IM Raúl Claverie of Argentina in a French Defense game that concluded in 33 moves.
- In an all–Tamil Nadu clash, CM Barath Kalyan overcame Master Sanjay Narayanan, converting a king pawn advantage into a stylish rook ending victory.
- IM Jorge Marcos Gómez Sánchez of Cuba bounced back strongly, defeating IM Carlomagno Oblitas of Peru with a commanding display featuring three minor pieces and two pawns up.
- CM Mukund Hemant Agarwal of Gujarat delivered an impressive win against IM Diasmany Otero Acosta of Cuba in a Semi-Slav opening, capitalizing on a knight fork at move 26 to secure a decisive advantage.
Overall, the tournament was a true showcase of sportsmanship and chess artistry, with four Indian players registering wins in the final round. The event provided an excellent platform for emerging Indian talents to test their skills against strong international masters.
Final standings
| Rank | Title | Name | IRtg | Club | Pts | DE | SB | WIN/P | BWG |
| 1 | IM | Gomez Sanchez Jorge Marcos | 2262 | CUB | 6½ | 0 | 26.25 | 6 | 3 |
| 2 | Hemanth Raam | 2212 | Tamil Nadu | 6 | 0 | 22.25 | 5 | 2 | |
| 3 | FM | Potawad Anirudhha | 2290 | Maharashtra | 5½ | 0 | 23.5 | 3 | 0 |
| 4 | IM | Otero Acosta Diasmany | 2306 | CUB | 5 | 0 | 20.25 | 4 | 0 |
| 5 | CM | Barath Kalyan M | 2169 | Tamil Nadu | 5 | 0 | 19 | 2 | 1 |
| 6 | IM | Palencia Morales Wilson Guillermo | 2229 | COL | 4½ | 0 | 19.75 | 1 | 0 |
| 7 | CM | Mukund Hemant Agarwal | 2312 | Gujarat | 4½ | 0 | 19.25 | 3 | 2 |
| 8 | IM | Oblitas Carlomagno | 2321 | PER | 3½ | 0 | 15.25 | 1 | 1 |
| 9 | Sanjay Narayanan P S | 2156 | Tamil Nadu | 3 | 0 | 11.5 | 1 | 0 | |
| 10 | IM | Claverie Raul | 2164 | ARG | 1½ | 0 | 5.5 | 0 | 0 |
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