Sri Vijaya Puram, Aug 24: The third round of the ongoing 1st Andaman & Nicobar International FIDE Rated Open Chess Tournament 2025 began this morning at Jalsa Hall, Dollygunj, Sri Vijaya Puram. Shri K Biju Nair, Chief Editor (i/c), the Daily Telegrams who attended the function as the chief guest for the third round, made the ceremonial first move on the top board against the tournament’s top seed, International Master Dinesh Sharma of Uttar Pradesh, formally declaring the third round open.
The tournament has drawn around 350 players from 20 states across India, along with participants from Sri Lanka, Nepal, and the United States, showing its international reach. With a prize fund of ₹7,00,000, the tournament is witnessing intense battles and high-quality games, while also reflecting the growing enthusiasm for chess in the Islands.
After the completion of the third round, as many as 34 players share the lead with full points. Among the notable results, Mr. Salil Kumar D of DASCB (Defence Accounts Sports Control Board) held the top seed IM Dinesh K. Sharma to a hard-fought draw in a tricky rook and knight vs rook ending. On Board 4, Master Tanish Ragavan S of Tamil Nadu suffered a setback against his state-mate Nikiilesh A U, who scored a fine win in the Benoni Defense. In another key clash, Mr. Abhishek T. M. of Kerala lost to Arena International Master Farhaan M of Tamil Nadu in the French Defense.
With multiple upsets and closely contested games, the tournament has entered an exciting phase. The large pool of leaders after three rounds ensures that the coming days will bring more dramatic battles on the board as players vie for top honours.