Andrei Shchekachev triumphs at Paris IdF Masters 2022, Harsha Bharathakoti second

by Shahid Ahmed - 18/07/2022

GM Andrei Shchekachev (FRA) and GM Harsha Bharathakoti scored 6.5/9 each at Paris IdF Masters. Andrei won the tournament due to better tie-breaks, Harsha was placed second. Four players - GM Daniil Yuffa (ESP), IM Dhulipalla Bala Chandra Prasad, IM Sidhant Mohapatra and IM Milosz Szpar (POL) scored 6/9 each. They were placed third to sixth as per tie-breaks. Harsha beat the eventual champion Andrei in the sixth round. 12-year-old FM Aarav Dengla scored an IM-norm. Total prize fund of the tournament was €13000. Top three prizes were €2500, €1200 and €1000 along with a trophy each.

Aarav Dengla scores IM-norm

The next best thing to winning the tournament is to beat the winner of the tournament. GM Andrei Shchekachev (FRA) suffered his only loss of the event against GM Harsha Bharathakoti who remained undefeated throughout the event. 12-year-old FM Aarav Dengla earned an IM-norm scoring 5/9 with a performance of 2456.

Runner-up - GM Harsha Bharathakoti 6.5/9

L to R - 2nd GM Harsha Bharathakoti, 3rd GM Daniil Yuffa (ESP) and 2nd GM Andrei Shchekachev (FRA), FM Daniel Fischer (SUI) and FM Aarav Dengla | Photo: Official site

Harsha - Andrei, Round 6

Position after 32.Qxb5

White already had a better position arising out of the English Opening. The exchange of queens 32...Qxb5 33.axb5 only accelerated White's winning chances. Despite White having a doubled passed pawn on the b-file, Black is unable to capture it due to them being tactically defended. Rest was just a matter of time and technique for Harsha to convert his advantage into a full point.

The tournament hall at Espace Phelippes Beaulieux in Sautron, France | Photo: Tour Blanche Echecs

A total of 48 players including 7 GMs, 12 IMs and 2 WGMs took part in the Open A category from 12 countries across the world. The event was organized by IdF Chess League from 12th to 17th July 2022 in Paris, France. The time control was 90 minutes/40 moves + 30 minutes + 30 seconds increment from move no.1.