Nagpur: Grandmaster Raunak Sadhwani, a chess prodigy from Nagpur, achieved a remarkable victory by winning the prestigious London Chess Classic Masters Tournament held at the iconic Emirates Stadium in London. The tournament concluded on Saturday night, with Raunak emerging as the undefeated champion.
Raunak delivered an exceptional performance, securing five wins and four draws to finish with seven points out of nine games. His stellar play earned him an impressive tournament rating performance of 2691, solidifying his reputation as one of India’s brightest young chess talents. Along with the title, Raunak was awarded a cash prize of £8,500 (approximately Rs 9 lakh).
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Friday 17 Jan. 2025
Expressing his delight, Raunak said, “It’s a very joyful moment for me. Nothing in the world can beat the pleasure of winning tournaments. I am happy that I played some good chess and was consistent throughout the event. I played some aggressive games and also managed to defend and handle complex positions well. I hope to continue this form and improve further by working even harder on my chess skills.”
Reflecting on his success, Raunak highlighted the significance of ending the classical chess year on such a high note by clinching the title.
When asked about his upcoming plans, Raunak shared, “My next assignment is the six-day FIDE World Rapid & Blitz Chess Championship, making its historic debut in New York, USA, starting December 26.”
Raunak’s victory has been celebrated by chess enthusiasts and sports fans in Nagpur and across India. His consistent performance and dedication continue to inspire young players in the country. As he gears up for the global stage, all eyes will be on him to deliver another stellar performance.
