Sports
Pranav Venkatesh Wins FIDE World Junior Blitz Title in UAE
NEW DELHI – 20‑year‑old Indian Grandmaster Pranav Venkatesh, who was last year’s FIDE World Junior Champion in classical play, captured the Open section title at the FIDE World Junior Blitz Championship in the UAE on Friday. Venkatesh finished with 10.5 points from 13 rounds, a full point ahead of the three players who tied for second with 9.5 points each. Kyrgyzstan’s International Master Eldiyar Orozbaev took second place, Armenia’s IM Robert Piliposyan third, and Syria’s FIDE Master Mazen Fandi fourth. Uzbekistan’s GM Mukhammadzokhid Suyarov, FIDE GM Erdem Khubukshanov and Uzbekistan’s GM Khumoyun Begmuratov all ended with nine points. Venkatesh began the event strong, tying for first on the first day with six points, and maintained that momentum to win the championship.
In the Girls section, Indian players were also among the top finishers. WIM Aamuktha Guntaka finished fifth with nine points from 13 rounds, while IM Savitha Shri B scored 8.5 points for seventh place. The Girls title was won by WGM Valeria Kleymenova, who achieved 10 points. Uzbekistan’s WGM Afruza Khamdamova and Russia’s WFM Veronika Iudina finished second and third respectively, each with 9.5 points.
Venkatesh’s blitz victory follows a successful campaign at the World Junior Rapid and Blitz Championships in Al Ain. He had earlier earned silver in the Open section of the World Junior Rapid Championship, scoring seven points from nine rounds, while Uzbekistan’s Khumoyun Begmuratov won rapid gold with 7.5 points. In the Girls rapid event, Savitha Shri finished ninth with 5.5 points, the best result by an Indian player in that section.
Frequently asked questions
Who won the Open section of the FIDE World Junior Blitz Championship?
Pranav Venkatesh.
What was Pranav Venkatesh's score?
10.5 points from 13 rounds.
Who finished second in the Open section?
Eldiyar Orozbaev.