The ₹40-lakh prize money Aurionpro International Grandmaster Chess Tournament and Junior International Chess Tournament kicks off Monday at the World Trade Centre, Mumbai running through to 24 June.
Organised by the Indian Chess School under the aegis of the All India Chess Federation, this double-header promises “thrilling encounters and unmatched competition”. Over 400 players from 17 countries have confirmed participation, including a lineup of 16 Grandmasters and 13 International Masters.
With a combined prize fund of ₹40 lakhs, ₹25 lakhs is earmarked for the Grandmaster section and ₹15 lakhs for the Junior (Under-13) section, the latter billed as the ‘Richest Tournament for Children’ in the world.
In the Grandmaster section, the top billing goes to GM Levan Pantsulaia of Georgia, with consistent performances on the international circuit. He is followed closely by GM Petrosyan Manuel from Armenia, while GM Luka Paichadze, also from Georgia, is the third seed.
12-year-old FIDE Master Aansh Nerurkar leads the Indian charge in the Junior section, with challenges expected from Madhesh Kumar of Pondicherry and Maharashtra’s Avirat Chauhan. The undeniable star attraction, however, is 12-year-old Women International Master Oshini Gunawardhana from Sri Lanka, whose presence adds international flair and excitement to the field.
