P. Shyaamnikhil Ends Long Wait, Achieves India's 85th Grandmaster Title.

Chess General

P. Shyaamnikhil Ends Long Wait, Achieves India's 85th Grandmaster Title.

P. Shyaamnikhil achieved the prestigious title of India's 85th Grandmaster after securing his third and final GM norm during the recently concluded Dubai Police Masters chess tournament. 

This accomplishment marked the end of a 12-year wait for Shyaamnikhil, who began his chess journey at the age of eight.

To earn the long-awaited Grandmaster title, Shyaamnikhil secured just one win and eight draws during the tournament, fulfilling the requirements for the prestigious GM title.

At the age of 31, Shyaamnikhil reached the required 2500 ELO rating points, which is the minimum for becoming a Grandmaster. He achieved this milestone back in 2012 with two Grandmaster norms. However, he had to wait for 12 years to complete the third norm.

Shyaamnikhil reflected on his journey, saying, "I started playing at the age of eight, taught by my parents. I couldn't participate in tournaments for three years. Winning the under-13 State championship opened doors for me to play in Asian and age group world championships."