Raunak Sadhwani wins Scheldemond Open 2026, Sandipan Chanda shares third place

By admin August 25, 2026 0 comments

GM Raunak Sadhwani and GM Daniel Howard Fernandez scored 7.5/9 each at Scheldemon International Open 2026. Raunak won the tournament on tie-breaks as he defeated Daniel in Round 7.

Top class performance by the top seed, Laura impressive

Commonwealth 2025 Open champion, GM Daniel Howard Fernandez (ENG) was the sole leader 7/8, heading into the final round. Five players – GM Max Warmerdam (NED), IM Eelke De Boer (NED), GM Daniel Hausrath (GER), GM Raunak Sadhwani and GM Sandipan Chanda were trailing by a half point at 6.5/8 each. Raunak defeated Eelke to become the champion. Five players – Max, Hausrath, IM Laura Unuk (SLO), GM Erwin L’Ami (NED) and Sandipan shared third place as they scored 7/9 each. Laura scored 7/9 to finish an impressive fifth. She is the only female player to make a top ten finish.

The top three prizes were €2500, €1500 and €1000 with a trophy each.

Champion – GM Raunak Sadhwani 7.5/9 | Photo: Tina Rouwendal / Scheldemond Schaaktoernooi 2026

Runner-up – GM Daniel Howard Fernandez (ENG) 7.5/9 | Photo: Tina Rouwendal / Scheldemond Schaaktoernooi 2026

Second Runner-up – GM Max Warmerdam (NED) 7/9 | Photo: Tina Rouwendal / Scheldemond Schaaktoernooi 2026

Second Runner-up – IM Laura Unuk (SLO) 7/9 | Photo: Tina Rouwendal / Scheldemond Schaaktoernooi 2026

Second Runner-up – GM Sandipan Chanda 7/9 | Photo: Tina Rouwendal / Scheldemond Schaaktoernooi 2026

Raunak – Daniel Howard, Round 7

Position after 21…Qh4?

GM Daniel Howard Fernandez (ENG, 2530) made the mistake 21…Qh4? GM Raunak Sadhwani (2640) shut the bishop’s path 22.c5! Rh5 23.h3 a5 after a few moves Black traded his bishop for the knight on d6 which helped create an isolated passed pawn on the d-file. The newly created passed pawn played a key role in White earning the victory. This win became the deciding factor in Raunak’s winning the tournament.

GM Raunak Sadhwani scored a crucial win over GM Daniel Howard Fernandez (ENG) in Round 7 | Photo: Tina Rouwendal / Scheldemond Schaaktoernooi 2026

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Raunak Sadhwani during one of his games | Photo: Tina Rouwendal / Scheldemond Schaaktoernooi 2026

GM Raunak Sadhwani scored an unbeaten 7.5/9, won the tournament on tie-breaks and gained 5 Elo rating points

The absolute gentleman of the sport – GM Sandipan Chanda cheering the talented youngster – GM Raunak Sadhwani | Photo: Tina Rouwendal / Scheldemond Schaaktoernooi 2026