Orange city’s own –Student of Centre point School, Katol Road –International Master –Raunak Sadhwani secured his maiden Grandmaster Norm (GM) at the world’s strongest open chess tournament – Aeroflot International Chess Tournament 2019 at Moscow, Russia from 19-2-19 to 28-02-19. It was one of the strong open Tournament where Elite players of the world participated. Getting an Entry itself is quite difficult but seeing his consistent performance, the organisers registered him and there he showed his phenomenal chess and made his own Country, State and city proud and made his 1 st GM norm.
13 year 2 months chess prodigy made his presence felt at Aeroflot , Moscow by playing with top class players .He scored 4.5 / 9 rounds and was unbeaten till the 8th round. He gained 20 Rating points with a rating performance of 2613 (2600 is required to make a GM norm). This takes his live rating to 2475 (just require 25 rating points and 2 GM norms to become a Grandmaster). To become a GM a player need – 3 GM norms and 2500 rating (he is now on 2475).
He secured his maiden GM Norm with a round to spare (in 8th round itself) He won GM srinath (India) and he drew 6 players above the rating of 2600. Draws against GM Khismatulin (Russia ), GM Inarkiev (Russia), GM Gordivesky (Russia), GM Amin Tabatabei (Iran) GM Idani Pouya (Iran) , GM Jorden Van Foreest (Netherlands ) and GM Grachev Boris from Russia .These are some Big names in the chess world.
Played brilliant chess in such a strong field with an extremely solid performance. He has moved from strength to strength. 5 times Former world champion –Vishwanathan Anand predicted a bright future for this young lad and he is staying true to the words of the legend. As per Vishy Anand – He is a huge talent of India.
Raunak- This time I played some solid chess (Normally I am an attacking player) but this time I tried to remain Safe and solid as recently I missed my GM norms in Gibraltar and Spain by just a whisker of half point .So I thought to play safe and secure my Maiden GM norm. I am satisfied with my quality of games but still there are areas of improvement required. I am happy that I played Top class players of the world . I will keep on working hard consistently and make my Country proud. I will give my best to fulfill my dream of becoming the strongest Super Grandmaster from India following the footsteps of the Legend gm Vishwanathan Anand.
I am Thankful to my school- Centre Point, Katol Road , Principal Shilpee Ganguly for their tremendous support and allowing me all the time to participate in Top tournaments. Big Thanks to my coach –GM Swapnil Dhopade sir who have strong belief in my capabilities and who keeps on motivating me all the time.
My pillars of strength- My parents – Who constantly makes me believe that I am made for big things in my life.
Parents – We are very excited on our son’s achievement, Quite satisfying results of his hard work . playing consistently with the strong opposition is not an easy job but he is giving his best .We strongly Believe -that day is not so far when we all will see him on Top of the world in this chess world. We are very much sure that soon he will clear his remaining 2 GM norms and required rating of 25 points and officially become the 1 st Grandmaster from Nagpur.
Coach – GM Swapnil Dhoplade- Raunak has already achieved Grandmaster strength. He was missing GM norms narrowly but he kept on working hard and finally he made it in Moscow .It was a very solid Performance from his side. I am very happy and proud of my student on his great performance here. I am very much sure that the GM title is not too far now.
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