Source: chess.com
Share This :
Abhimanyu Puranik Triumphs in Sitges Tournament, Young Prodigy Yagiz Kaan Erdogmus Achieves Chess Milestone
December 26, 2023
Chess Tournaments,News
At the Chessable Sunway Sitges Chess Festival 2023, India’s Grandmaster Abhimanyu Puranik showcased remarkable skill, winning his last four matches to secure the top spot with a score of 8.5 out of 10. The competition was fierce, with four contestants tying for second place. The United States’ Grandmaster Brandon Jacobson emerged as the runner-up after a tie-breaking playoff against Grandmaster Volodar Murzin. The young talent, 12-year-old Turkish International Master Yagiz Kaan Erdogmus, made headlines by earning his first grandmaster norm without losing a single match, scoring an impressive 7.5 out of 10.
GM Abhimanyu Puranik – source: David Llada/Chessable Sunway Sitges
Remarkable Comeback by Puranik
When the leading contender, Grandmaster Leinier Dominguez, withdrew midway through the tournament, it opened the door for others to shine. Puranik, after a defeat in the sixth round, played determinedly not just for victory but also for his personal pride. His efforts paid off as he went on to win the next four matches. His final win against fellow Indian Grandmaster S.P. Sethuraman was a tense affair, where managing the clock played a crucial role. Despite the pressure, Puranik managed to win and described this as an even greater achievement than his victory in the Foosball side event.
Jacobson Secures Second Place After Playoffs
The Sitges tournament is unique for its playoffs, which are held outdoors and not just for deciding the first place. Four players competed in the semifinals and the final, which included rapid blitz games and, if needed, an armageddon game with special time rules favoring Black in case of a draw. Jacobson, after beating Puranik in the main tournament, went on to win his playoff matches, including a decisive victory over Cuban International Master Ernesto Fernandez Guillen.
Erdogmus’ Noteworthy Performance
Yagiz Kaan Erdogmus, only 12 years old, not only finished in a tie for sixth place but also achieved his first grandmaster norm, surpassing the 2500-rating mark. He now needs just two more norms to attain the full grandmaster title. While he can’t become the youngest-ever grandmaster—a record held by Abhimanyu Mishra—he is on track to join an elite group of young chess prodigies who have earned the grandmaster title at the age of 12.