Sarbartho Mani impressive at Prague International Chess Festival H Blitz Rating Open 2026

CM Sarbartho Mani and FM Havard Haug (NOR) scored 10/11 each at Prague International Chess Festival H Blitz Rating Open 2026. Sarbartho won the tournament on tie-breaks, Havard secured second place. IM David Gross (GER), FM Reyaansh Chakrabarty (AUS), FM Ondrej Toman (CZE) and Kevin Narr (GER) scored 8.5/11 each. They secured third to sixth place respectively according to tie-breaks. The top three prizes were CZK 3000, 2000 and 1500.

Sarbartho’s first tournament triumph of the year

9-year-old CM Sarbartho Mani was the sole leader 9.5/10, heading into the final round. FM Havard Haug (NOR) was the only player trailing him by a half point at 9/10. Sarbartho drew against FM Ondrej Tomak (CZE) to become the champion. Havard defeated FM Mykola Domanskiy (SVK) to secure second place. IM David Gross (GER) won against Maciej Dryglas (JPN) to finish third.

Sarbartho scored wins over GM Vlastimil Babula (CZE), the eventual second runner-up – IM David Gross and runner-up – FM Havard Haug.

Champion – CM Sarbartho Mani 10/11 | Photo: Petr Vrabec / Prague International Chess Festival

Top 3 (L to R): 3rd IM David Gross (GER) 8.5/11, 2nd FM Havard Haug (NOR) 10/11 and 1st CM Sarbartho Mani 10/11 | Photo: Petr Vrabec / Prague International Chess Festival

Spectators are impressed at Sarbartho Mani’s play during one of his games | Photo: Petr Vrabec / Prague International Chess Festival

CM Sarbartho Mani scored an unbeaten 10/11, won the tournament on tie-breaks and gained 216.8 Elo rating points

A total of 173 players including a GM, four IMs, a WGM and WIM took part from 22 countries across the world. The one-day eleven-round Blitz Rating Open tournament was organized by Novy Bor Chess Club at Hotel Don Giovanni in Prague, Czech Republic on 1st March 2026. The time control of the tournament was 3 minutes + 2 seconds increment.

Final standings

Details