VS Rathanvel Becomes India's 99th Grandmaster After Second Attempt
What Happened?
VS Rathanvel, a 25-year-old from Coimbatore, initially celebrated as India's 99th Grandmaster, faced a setback when his rating did not meet FIDE standards. After a second attempt, he successfully crossed the 2500 rating threshold.
Key points
- Rathanvel achieved his norms by 2022 but struggled to reach a FIDE rating of 2500.
- He initially celebrated his title after winning tournaments in Assam but was later informed his rating had not improved.
- FIDE regulations state that games against unrated players or those not in FIDE federations do not count towards title qualifications.
- After a setback, Rathanvel won the Chefchaouen International Open in Morocco, securing his title.
- His live rating eventually reached 2501.1, confirming his status as India's 99th Grandmaster.
Key insights
- Rathanvel's experience underscores the importance of understanding FIDE regulations for aspiring Grandmasters.
- The pressure of public recognition can impact a player's performance and mindset.
- Mentorship played a crucial role in helping Rathanvel refocus and achieve his goal.
Why it matters
Rathanvel's journey highlights the challenges faced by chess players in achieving official titles.
Entities
Source
Times of India