Alisher Suleymenov wins 1st Chola Chess GM RR 2026, Ethan Vaz second and Ameya Audi third

GM Alisher Suleymenov (KAZ) scored 6/9 to win 1st Chola Chess GM Round-Robin 2026. IM Ethan Vaz and IM Ameya Audi scored 5.5/9 each. They secured second and third place according to tie-breaks. The total prize fund was ₹225000. The top three prizes were ₹100000 + trophy, ₹75000 and ₹50000.

No GM-norms scored in a tough field

The objective of the tournament was to create an opportunity for the Indian players – six IMs to be exact to score a GM-norm. The average rating of the field was 2476.2 which means the required score to secure a GM-norm was 6/9. However, the top Indian finishers fell a half point scored. The organizers put up an excellent line up and created a great opportunity.

Champion – GM Alisher Suleymenov (KAZ) 6/9 | Photo: Chola Chess

IM Ethan Vaz was the only player who managed to beat the eventual champion, GM Alisher Suleymenov in Round 7.

Runner-up – IM Ethan Vaz 5.5/9 | Photo: Chola Chess

Second Runner-up – IM Ameya Audi 5.5/9 | Photo: Chola Chess

From inspiration to aspiration.
Having @vishy64theking grace the Chola Chess International GM Norm Tournament was a powerful reminder of what dedication and discipline can achieve.@ChessbaseIndia @chessgurukul@FIDE_chess @aicfchess @Rameshchess#CholaChess #CSRinitiative… pic.twitter.com/zeniHxoNuD

— Chola Chess (@CholaChess) February 11, 2026

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