Chola Chess Open to feature 80 players in Chennai

The inaugural Chola Chess Open International Grandmasters Tournament is scheduled to take place in Chennai from October 30 to November 7, 2026. The FIDE-rated event will feature 80 participants, including 20 Indian grandmasters and 12 grandmasters from 12 different federations.

All participants hold a FIDE rating of 2250 or above, with 75 of the 80 players holding FIDE titles. The field includes notable grandmasters such as Pranesh M, Aravindh Chithambaram, Surya Shekhar Ganguly, and Leon Luke Mendonca. The tournament provides an opportunity for players to earn Grandmaster (GM), International Master (IM), Woman Grandmaster (WGM), and Woman International Master (WIM) norms.