Anuj Shrivatri Claims GM Title at ASEAN Plus Individual Open Chess Championship

Shrivatri Wins GM Title in the Philippines

Anuj Shrivatri captured the winner’s prize at the ASEAN Plus Individual Open Chess Championship, held in Ozamiz City, Philippines. The tournament also featured several prominent Indian chess names, including Viswanathan Anand, Dibyendu Barua, Pravin Thipsay, and Abhijit Kunte.

A Landmark for Indian Chess

With his victorious performance, Shrivatri secured his Grandmaster title directly, bypassing the conventional route of earning three GM norms and reaching a FIDE rating of 2,500 Elo points. The achievement elevated him to the status of India’s 100th Grandmaster — a remarkable milestone for Indian chess, which had no GMs until Viswanathan Anand broke new ground over four decades ago.

• Anuj Shrivatri won the ASEAN Plus Individual Open Chess Championship in Ozamiz City, Philippines
• The victory earned him the GM title directly
• India now has 100 Grandmasters, joining Russia, the United States, and Germany in that exclusive category
• The landmark comes roughly 40 years after Viswanathan Anand became India’s first GM in December 1987
• Other Indian GMs who paved the way include Dibyendu Barua (1991), Pravin Thipsay, and Abhijit Kunte (2000)

Building on a Legacy

Shrivatri’s triumph adds another chapter to India’s rapid ascent on the global chess stage. The foundation was laid by Anand, whose pioneering career inspired generations of Indian players and drew attention, investment, and infrastructure to the sport. Over the years, a steady stream of Indian talents have followed suit, each building upon the path cleared by their predecessors.

Source

This report is based on information published by Sportstar (The Hindu) — Chess.

Official source: https://sportstar.thehindu.com/chess/viswanathan-anand-chess-grandmaster-journey-to-100-anuj-shrivatri-revolution/article71683285.ece