Karthik Venkataraman clinches second Indian national title

Surya Ganguly & Neelash Saha on the podium

GM Karthik Venkataraman (AP) remained undefeated when he won the 59th edition back in 2022, scoring 10/13 points. This time, he also remained unbeaten as he scored 9/11 points to become the champion.

GM Surya Sekhar Ganguly (PSPB) and IM Aronyak Ghosh (RSPB) drew with IM Himal Gusain (RSPB) and GM Lalit Rohit (RSPB) respectively in the last round. It created a window of opportunity for GM Karthik Venkataraman (AP) to win the tournament. He defeated the reigning Commonwealth champion, GM Mitrabha Guha (RSPB), to win the event. Surya finished second on tiebreaks. IM Neelash Saha (RSPB) scored a comfortable win over IM Sammed Shete (MAH) to finish third. The top three finishers scored 9/11 each.

Endgame essentials you need to know Vol.1 & Vol 2

In this video course, GM Surya Ganguly joins IM Sagar Shah and drawing from his colossal experience, shares some uncommon endgame wisdom. The material mostly features positions with rook against rook and a pawn, and starts by covering the fundamentals.

Karthik thus earned his place at the next World Cup.

A total of 340 players including 20 GMs, 11 IMs and 2 WGMs took part from various states and units across India in this 11-round Swiss open tournament. It was organized by the Haryana Chess Association at RPS International School in Gurugram, Haryana on 17-27 August 2024. The time control was 90 minutes for 40 moves plus 30 minutes for the rest of the game and 30-second increments from move 1.

Top 3 (L to R): 2^nd GM Surya Sekhar Ganguly (PSPB), 1^st GM Karthik Venkataraman (AP) and 3^rd IM Neelash Saha (RSPB)

Find more videos on the ChessBase India YouTube channel

Mitrabha 0 - 1 Karthik

Mitrabha Guha (RSPB, 2537) made an incorrect decision when he captured the e7-pawn - 17.Bxe7? Rfe8 18.Nd2 Rxe7 19.Nxc4 Bxc3 20.Rb1 Qe6 21.Qd6 Qxd6 22.Nxd6 Bb4 23.Nb5 Bc5 24.Rfc1?? Rxe2 and it is over for White.

Karthik had no trouble converting his advantage into a win.

Karthik Venkataraman scored a crucial win (with black) over Mitrabha Guha in the final round to become the champion

Attack & Master Advanced Tactics and Calculations like a Super Grandmaster

Two Super Grandmasters from India explain the ins & outs of Attack, Tactics an Calculations in these two video courses.

The top 10 finishers

For more photos from round 11 and the closing ceremony, please click the respective links.

Final standings

...341 players

All available games

Links

• Haryana Chess Association
• Full final report on ChessBase India
• Endgame Essentials with Surya Ganguly: Two appetisers