Grandmaster Leon Luke Mendonca won the Muscat Nights International Open A section on tie-breaks after scoring 6.5 out of 9 points. Fellow Indian GM Pranesh M finished second, also undefeated in the tournament. Indian players dominated, securing victories in all three sections of the event.
The Muscat Nights International Open, organized by the Oman Chess Committee, took place at Al Amal Sport Complex in Muscat, Oman, from January 15 to 23, 2025. The nine-round classical tournament featured a time control of 90 minutes plus 30 seconds per move and attracted players from 19 countries.
In the Open A section for players rated over 2000, 78 participants including 12 grandmasters, 14 international masters, and 2 women international masters competed. Mendonca and Pranesh M both remained undefeated, finishing with 6.5/9. Mendonca secured first place via tie-breaks, while Pranesh took second. GM Arkadij Naiditsch of Bulgaria, GM Mikhail Mozharov of Russia, IM Mayank Chakraborty of India, and GM Adly Ahmed of Egypt also scored 6.5 points, placing third through fifth respectively on tie-breaks.
Heading into the final round, five players were tied at 6/8. Mendonca drew with Pranesh in the last game to clinch the title. The total prize fund for the event was US$24,500, with the top prizes being US$6,000 plus trophy and medal for first, US$4,000 for second, and US$3,000 for third.
In the Open B section for players under 2000, Raghav Srivastav V of India won outright with 8/9, earning US$2,000 plus trophy and medal. The section had 175 players from 23 countries.
The Blitz Rating Open on January 19 featured 163 players and an 11-round format with 3 minutes plus 2 seconds per move. Mayank Chakraborty dominated with an unbeaten 10/11 to win first, ahead by a full point. GM Adham Fawzy of Egypt, Pranesh M, and FM Radin Yadegar of Iran scored 9/11 for second through fourth. Blitz prizes included US$400 plus trophy and medal for first.
Indians swept all section titles in this successful event for the country.
