Simultaneous Chess Exhibition with Grandmaster Sethuraman

by S Ramanathan - 19/02/2024

On Saturday 10th February, Kilpauk Chess Centre organized a Simultaneous exhibition against the reigning National champion GM S P Sethuraman. It was held at Bhavan's Rajaji Vidyashram in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. 43 players got an opportunity to play against the former Asian champion and 41st Olympiad Bronze medalist. The Grandmaster won all his games in a little over five hours. The final score was 43-0 in favor of the GM. Even after the grueling exhibition, Sethuraman took the time to analyze games with the players. He also had a Q&A session with the players and parents. Check out the article written by a passionate chess enthusiast - S Ramanathan. Photos: S Ramanathan

Sethuraman scores 43-0

While the whole chess world is engrossed to know the outcome of Weissenhaus Freestyle G.O.A.T challenge, one GM quietly accepted an invitation for Simul with 43 chess aspirants to encourage them in their chess journey, yes GM S.P.Sethuraman the current national champion attended a simul with 43 chess aspirants with the help of Kilpauk Chess Centre at Bhavan’s Rajaji Vidyashram in Chennai on 10th February 2024.

Simul with GM Sethuraman poster

The event started with traditional “Thamizh Thai Vazhthu”, after which GM S P Sethuraman gave a brief intro about his chess journey in which he explained how Vishy Anand was his hero and how nervous he was when he first faced him in a simul and also first-time in a competition – both the results were not in his favor, but when he faced him for the second time in a competitive tournament he was able to make a draw due to his learnings from the previous two encounters.

GM Sethuraman's long list of accolades getting announced

Likewise he played simul with GM Sasikaran with whom he made a draw and R B Ramesh which encouraged him to have chess as his first priority. Since he was part of these simul’s during his younger days which encouraged him to shine in this field, he hoped he can pass on this heritage to another chess player so that one of the participants will be able to take the experience of this simul today to become a champion in the future. He went on to explain how GM Sasikaran became a teammate and R B Ramesh became a coach to him at a latter point of time in his carrier, all this is possible with longterm objectives and goals in chess. He also explained about his parents' contribution and the sacrifices they have made for him to achieve this success. He then had a Q&A session with players as well as parents who were allowed to be seated inside the tournament hall behind the players. What was encouraging to see was in such a crowded atmosphere also there was pin drop silence, everyone understood the objective of this simul and it was conducted in a well organized manner in an A/C hall with snacks for the children.

Sethuraman sharing his various life experiences, showcased in photographs

Sethuraman playing simultaneous exhibition games

The simul started exactly at 4:30 p.m. as informed to the parents and there was no time limit for the simul as close to 43 chess aspirants were present to make it a success. All 43 players were seated in a usual rectangular form. GM S P Sethuraman began moving around the tables and making the moves, since there was no time limit, it was expected that some of the matches will go on for few hours.

Sethuraman pondering over a position

After an hour, eight games were over and GM S P Sethuraman went around the table like a hawk with the obsession of only chess in his mind, At the end of the second hour 14 games were over, some of the players present had a FIDE rating of 1300 plus with the highest being 1700, hence some stiff competition was expected. He had a sip of water in these two hours and never even looked anywhere else around the hall except for the chess board. People who know him well understand that he is one of those players who talks very less and doesn’t do anything else when a chess game is in front of him, that feeling was very evident and everyone in the playing hall will vouch for that.

Sethuraman in deep thought

At the end of the third hour, 22 games were going on and some of the players really thought they had a chance with him, but his determination grew higher and higher as the number of boards decreased and he began to concentrate more on tougher boards and spent less time on the not so tough ones and calculated his moves to perfection, again he did not even sit for one single second and went around the hall like a determined soldier who will stop at nothing until all games are over.

Spectators watch Sethuraman in action

All the games were completed by 9:45 P.M - a simul for 5 hours and 15 minutes and the score line was 43-0, imagine the work ethics of a chess player who gave it all for the love of this game, he could have messed up a position or could have made a blunder via lapse of concentration, but he was determined and considered every game as a FIDE rated game and made the best moves on all boards irrespective of the position. What was really encouraging to see was even after the grueling long simul, he had the time and more importantly energy to clarify few opponents who had questions about their moves and gave them advice and also signed autographs and posed for pics with a smile.

Sethuraman interacting with players and parents after the simul

People like GM S P Sethurman are very rare, part of a rare breed who have given their entire life to this lovely game of chess. Thanks to his father, the founder of Kilpauk Chess Centre, Mr. Panayappan for organizing such a nice event to encourage youngsters.

About the Author

S Ramanathan works at a private company in Chennai, really passionate about chess and to write/read/speak about the latest happenings in the chess universe. He taught his 10-year-old son chess at the age of five who is now a rated player and chess has now become an integral part of their life.