A strong finish in Armenia
Aravindh Chithambaram Wins Stepan Avagyan Memorial: Indian Grandmaster Aravindh Chithambaram has once again proven his mettle on the international stage by clinching the 6th Stepan Avagyan Memorial in Jermuk, Armenia. He scored 6.5 points out of 9 rounds, tying with fellow Indian chess star R. Praggnanandhaa, but emerged as the winner through a tiebreak system.
How the winner was decided?
Though both players had the same final score, Aravindh was declared the champion using the Sonneborne-Berger system, a common method in chess tournaments. This method gives an edge to players who defeat stronger opponents. Since Aravindh’s victories came against higher-rated players, the tiebreak favored him.
Aravindh’s unbeaten run
Aravindh had a solid and consistent performance in this 10-player round-robin tournament. He remained undefeated, winning four games and drawing five. Notably, he played with the black pieces in the final round and defeated Aram Hakobyan of Armenia, sealing his top position.
A strong show by Praggnanandhaa
Another shining star of Indian chess, R. Praggnanandhaa, also delivered a powerful performance. He scored equally well and wrapped up the tournament with a win over Robert Hovhannisyan. However, despite his brilliant show, the tiebreak rule placed him just behind Aravindh.
A growing list of victories
This win adds to Aravindh’s already successful run in 2025. Earlier, he triumphed at the Prague Chess Festival Masters, another prestigious international event. At just 25 years old, this Chennai-based Grandmaster is fast becoming one of India’s most reliable names in global chess circles.
About the memorial tournament
The Stepan Avagyan Memorial is gaining popularity in the international chess calendar. Held annually in Jermuk, Armenia, it attracts skilled players from various countries. The 2025 edition witnessed exciting matches and showcased the rising dominance of Indian players in world chess.
Static GK facts
India has produced over 80 Grandmasters as of 2025, with Chennai being a chess hub. The first Indian Grandmaster was Viswanathan Anand in 1988. Chess is said to have originated in ancient India, known then as Chaturanga.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
| Key Event | Details |
| Tournament name | 6th Stepan Avagyan Memorial |
| Winner | Aravindh Chithambaram |
| Score | 6.5 out of 9 rounds |
| Tiebreak system used | Sonneborne-Berger |
| Runner-up | R. Praggnanandhaa |
| Location | Jermuk, Armenia |
| Aravindh’s previous win | Prague Chess Festival Masters 2025 |
| Format | 10-player round-robin |
| Aravindh’s age | 25 years |
| Notable Indian GM fact | First GM: Viswanathan Anand (1988) |
