Classical Chess

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.

January 31, 2026 Reported by AI

In Turkistan, Kazakhstan, a national chess championship for players under 18 unfolded from January 20 to 30, 2026, drawing nearly 1,000 young competitors from across the country. The event highlighted emerging talents, including a five-and-a-half-year-old girl who claimed victory in her age category. Astana's team dominated with 16 gold medals across classical, rapid, and blitz formats.