Anuj Shrivatri Wins 7th ASEAN Plus Individual Open to Become India’s 100th Grandmaster

A Title Clinched in the Philippines

India celebrated a historic milestone in November 2026 as Anuj Shrivatri won the 7th ASEAN Plus Individual Open Chess Championship held in the Philippines. The victory secured him the Grandmaster title, making him the 100th GM from India. He finished ahead of Vietnam’s Nguyen Duc Hoa to claim the top spot.

A Comeback Victory

Shrivatri’s path to the title was far from straightforward. After dropping his opening game, the Indian player mounted an impressive comeback, scoring seven points from the final eight rounds. His strong finish included wins in the last two games, proving resilient under pressure as he closed the tournament with momentum.

Milestone for Indian Chess

With Shrivatri’s achievement, India now boasts 100 Grandmasters, a number that underscores the country’s growing dominance in the world of competitive chess. The milestone places India among the top nations in terms of titled players, following a trajectory that began decades ago.

Tournament Highlights

• Anuj Shrivatri won the 7th ASEAN Plus Individual Open Chess Championship in the Philippines
• Vietnam’s Nguyen Duc Hoa finished as runner-up
• Shrivatri scored seven points from his last eight rounds after losing the opening game
• The win earned him the Grandmaster norm directly
• India’s Grandmaster count reached 100 with this achievement

Looking Ahead

Shrivatri’s triumph on Philippine soil adds another memorable chapter to India’s chess legacy. With the 100th GM mark now surpassed, the focus shifts to nurturing the next generation of Indian players who aim to carry the nation’s flag high on the global stage.

Source

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

Official source: https://sportstar.thehindu.com/chess/anuj-shrivatri-india-100th-grandmaster-madhya-pradesh-katni-story/article71681337.ece