Just two weeks after fulfilling the requirements to become India's 98th Grandmaster, 15-year-old sensation Aswath S stamped his authority on European chess by winning the 2026 Serbia Open Masters title in Belgrade.
\nFacing a formidable field comprising over 40 Grandmasters from 28 nations, Aswath remained completely undefeated across nine grueling classical rounds, finishing with an extraordinary score of 7.5/9 and a 2740 tournament performance rating.
\nIn round seven, playing with black against experienced Hungarian GM Peter Prohaszka, Aswath delivered an attacking clinic in the Sicilian Najdorf, sacrificing an exchange on c3 to rip open White's king position. The tactical finish was hailed as one of the best games of the event.
\nAswath's consecutive triumphs highlight India's astonishing depth of teenage chess talent, with the young grandmaster now well on course to cross the 2600 Elo mark before the year concludes.
\n'Achieving the GM title gave me tremendous confidence to play freely without norm pressure,' Aswath said after lifting the winner's trophy in Belgrade. 'I want to thank my parents, coaches, and the Indian chess community for their continuous support.'
⚡ Key Takeaways
- 15-year-old Aswath S wins the Serbia Open Masters undefeated with 7.5/9.
- Achieves a 2740 tournament performance rating against over 40 Grandmasters.
- Follows up his historic accomplishment as India's 98th Grandmaster.