Chess glory in Prague: Abdusattorov wins, Deshmukh enters world top 10

The 2026 edition of the Prague International Chess Festival concluded today in a thrilling finale at the Don Giovanni Hotel, where elite players from around the world battled through nine rounds of classical chess . Held from February 25 to March 6 , the festival delivered moments of tension, surprise results, and noteworthy performances, particularly from India’s emerging talents .

At the top of the leaderboard, Uzbek Grandmaster Nodirbek Abdusattorov emerged as the clear champion of the Masters Section, adding the Prague title to his recent victories. Abdusattorov scored 6/9 through a combination of dynamic tactical precision and solid endgame play, maintaining an undefeated streak to secure first place .

India’s chess contingent delivered several standout moments. Grandmaster Aravindh Chithambaram impressed with strong play throughout the festival, finishing joint second overall after notable victories, including a sharp win against Czech favourite David Navara in the final round. His courageous and creative playstyle reinvigorated his standing in elite classical chess.

World Champion D Gukesh , despite high expectations, encountered a challenging tournament. After a series of draws and tough encounters, he secured a lone victory in the ninth round, ending his winless streak and concluding the event on a positive note.

In the Challengers Section, Indian Grandmaster Divya Deshmukh delivered one of the biggest breakthroughs of her career. With a credible third-place finish , she narrowly missed the title but also entered the women’s classical chess Top 10 live world rankings for the first time. This milestone marks a significant moment for Indian women’s chess and signals the growing depth of talent on the global stage.

The Prague International Chess Festival offered not just high-level competition but also a platform for exciting narratives : the dominance of an emerging world elite in Abdusattorov, strong Indian showings from Aravindh and Divya, and Gukesh’s resilient finish . Chess enthusiasts now turn their attention to upcoming global events, with many of these players poised for further success .