The 20th edition of the spectacular New Delhi Open, in which 1057 players took part, ended with the victory of Indian GM Aravindh Chithambaram, while GM Luka Paichadze of Georgia finished as first runner up.

In what is in the West now, mostly a memory from the heyday of chess popularity, India has hosted its biggest tournament – the New Delhi Open – in a stadium. The jubilar 20th edition of the New Delhi Open (started in 2003) took place at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, named after the first Prime Minister of India, and is the fourth biggest stadium in the country. Traditionally, the tournament is held at the Indira Gandhi Stadium, the largest indoor sports arena in the country, but due to the World Women's Boxing Championship, it had to be moved.

The New Delhi Open has become a beacon for chess enthusiasts around India, attracting nearly 3000 players annually. The event has three different categories: one is the GM Open, then B category, below 1999 rating, and C category, below 1599. While the event traditionally takes place every January, due to the rise in Covid cases in India at the start of the year, it was postponed. The initial prize fund was $153,000 in three categories, but due to health and safety, the organisers decided to have the event in just one – top category, with a prize fund of $55,000.

Altogether, 19 Grandmasters and a number of IMs and FMs from over 10 countries took part in the event. 

The second seed Aravindh Chithambaram (India, pictured below), turned in an excellent performance and came out on top, scoring a spectacular 9.5/10. Luka Paichadze (Georgia) finished just a half-point behind the winner. As many as six participants netted 8.5/10, with the top seed GM Sethuraman S P (India) taking third place thanks to superior Buchholz. 

The excitement at the New Delhi Open was further amplified as it coincided with the third leg of the Women's Grand Prix. The atmosphere was electrifying as both events showcased the very best of chess.

"India has become a chess nation, and the New Delhi Open is a beacon of our success. With numerous Grandmasters and thousands of young players participating from all corners of the country, this event has become an annual celebration of our love for the game. And with the successful hosting of the Olympiad, we are committed to promoting chess in India and transforming our country into a true superpower in chess," said Bharat Singh, Director of the New Delhi Open and a key figure in the All India Chess Federation. 

Final standings:

The top eight finishers of the New Delhi Open earned FIDE Circuit race points based on the final standings:

1. 7,99

2. 6,39

3. 4,59

4. 4,19

5. 3,79

6. 3,39

7. 3,00

8. 2,60

Complete results

Text: Milan Dinic

Photo: Ismael Nieto