India’s 73rd Chess Grandmaster

On January 9, 2022, Fourteen-year-old Bharath Subramaniyam became India’s 73rd chess Grandmaster. He secured the third and final Grandmaster norm at an event at Cattolica in Italy.

Key Points

• He scored 6.5 points from nine rounds along with four others and finish seventh in the event.
• He secured his third GM norm here as well as touched the requisite 2,500 (Elo) mark.
• Fellow Indian player M R Lalith Babu became the winner in the tournament, with seven points. He won the title on the basis of a better tie-break score as he tied with three others including Anton Korobov from Ukraine.

Six wins for Bharath

Bharath finished with six wins and one draw. He lost two games, against Korobov and Lalith Babu.

When did Bharath won first GM norm?

• He won his first GM norm at Aeroflot Open in Moscow in February 2020, after securing 11th place.
• He won the second GM norm in the Junior Roundtable Under 21 tournament in Bulgaria in October 2021. He was placed 4^th, with 6.5 points.

How can a player become a Grandmaster (GM)?

In order to become a GM, a player has to secure three GM norms as well as cross the live rating of 2,500 Elo points.

When did Subramaniyam become an International Master?

Subramaniyam had become an International Master in 2019, at the age of 11 years and 8 months.

Who were 72^nd and 71^st GM?

Mitrabha Guha had become India’s 72nd GM in November 2021 while, Sankalp Gupta became the 71st GM in the same month.

Who is called a Grandmaster (GM)?

GM is a title awarded to chess players. It is awarded by world chess organization FIDE. It is the highest title a chess player can attain. This title is held for life, once achieved. However, the title has been revoked for cheating, exceptionally. GM title is open to all players regardless of gender.

Month: Current Affairs - January, 2022

Category: Sports Current Affairs