GM Alisher Suleymenov continues to lead the Chola Chess International GM Norm Round Robin Tournament 2026 with 3.5 points after five rounds. A four-way tie for second place features Ethan Vaz, Aronyak Ghosh, Audi Ameya, and Delgado Ramirez Neuris, each with 3 points. Round five saw only one win amid four draws.
The Chola Chess International GM Norm Round Robin Tournament 2026 has reached its halfway point following the completion of five rounds. Kazakhstan's GM Alisher Suleymenov holds the top spot with 3.5 out of 5 points, drawing his round-five game against India's Harsh Suresh with the white pieces.
In the fifth round, played on February 7, 2024, the action was subdued, with four of the five games ending in draws. The sole decisive result came from Delgado Ramirez Neuris of Venezuela, who defeated France's Boyer Mahel to climb to 3 points and join the chase for second place. Other draws included Ethan Vaz versus Girel Joseph, Mayank Chakraborty holding Akshay Borgaonkar with black, and Audi Ameya against Aronyak Ghosh.
Current standings show Suleymenov in sole first, while Vaz, Ghosh, Ameya, and Ramirez Neuris share second on 3 points. The tournament, aimed at GM norms, features a mix of international players competing in a round-robin format.
Round six is scheduled to begin on February 8 at 2 PM IST, promising further battles in this competitive event. Photos from the venue, captured by Himank Ghosh, highlight the focused atmosphere among participants.