Ajay Santhosh earns second GM norm in Czech Republic

Indian International Master P. Ajay Santhosh secured his second Grandmaster norm at the Chess Festival Ceske Budejovice in the Czech Republic. He scored 6.5 points from nine rounds, including notable results against three Grandmasters, moving closer to the coveted title

Hyderabad: IM P. Ajay Santhosh earned his second Grandmaster norm at the Chess Festival Ceske Budejovice (GM Group) in the Czech Republic.

Ajay finished with 6.5 points from nine rounds, and his impressive performance included a draw against GM Anton Korobov (Elo 2608), a win against GM Misa Pap (Elo 2432), and another creditable draw against GM Filip Haring (Elo 2457).

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Ajay earned his maiden norm at the Baku Open 2026, putting him firmly on track towards the Grandmaster title.

“I am grateful to my coach M. Lokeswararao for his guidance and to everyone supporting my journey. One more norm to go!” Ajay said later.