Sebastian Bogner clinches 96th Paris IdF Masters 2023, Harshavardhan second and Karthik Venkataraman third

by Shahid Ahmed - 26/07/2023

GM Sebastian Bogner (SUI) scored an unbeaten 7/9 to win 96th Paris IdF Masters 2023. He finished a full point ahead of the competition. IM Harshavardhan G B, GM Karthik Venkataraman, GM Andrei Shchekachev (FRA) and FM Aarav Dengla scored 6/9 each. They were placed second to fifth respectively as per tie-breaks. IM Sai Agni Jeevitesh J and FM Senthil Maran scored 5.5/9 each. They were placed sixth and tenth respectively. Aarav and Senthil scored an IM-norm each. This is Senthil's second IM-norm. The first prize was €2500 and trophy in the Masters section. The 96th edition witnessed the participation of 504 players in four categories - Masters, A, B and C. Photos: idF-Echecs

Harshavardhan, Aarav and Senthil score IM-norms

The 50% of the top ten finishers in the Masters section were Indians. GM Sebastian Bogner (SUI) defeated Ulysse Bottazzi (FRA) to win the tournament 7/9. Despite suffering a loss in the final round against FM Aarav Dengla, IM Harsharvardhan G B still managed to finish second on tie-breaks 6/9. GM Karthik Venkataraman drew against the defending champion, GM Andrei Shchekachev (FRA) to finish third 6/9. FM Senthil Maran K drew against FM Kim Yew Chan (MAS) to secure his second IM-norm scoring 5.5/9.

Masters Top 3 (L to R): 1st GM Sebastian Bogner (SUI) 7/9, 2nd IM Harshavardhan G B 6.5/9 and 3rd GM Karthik Venkataraman 6.5/9

8th FM Senthil Maran K 5.5/9 (third from left), 5th FM Aarav Dengla 6/9 with the podium finishers

FM Senthil Maran K secured his second IM-norm scoring 5.5/9 with a performance of 2450

FM Aarav Dengla earned an IM-norm scoring 6/9, having a performance of 2496

A last round loss against FM Aarav Dengla dashed IM Harshavardhan G B's championship chances

GM Karthik Venkataraman drew against the defending champion GM Andrei Shchekachev (FRA)

Round 7: GM Karthik Venkataraman - IM C RG Krishna: 1-0

Top boards

Arbiters' team

Masters section

The tournament hall at Halle Georges Carpentier in Paris, France

A total of 38 players including 5 GMs, 8 IMs and 2 WIMs took part in the Masters category from 13 countries across the world. The event was organized by IdF Chess League from 11th to 16th July 2022 at Halle Georges Carpentier in Paris, France. The time control was 90 minutes + 30 seconds increment from move no.1.