Nihal Sarin emerged victorious at the Romanian Grand Prix 2024 after defeating Imre Balog of Hungary in a tie-breaker held on Friday night in Cluj, Romania. The prestigious chess event featured a format comprising two classical and three rapid events, boasting a substantial prize pool of 175,000 euros.
Throughout the tournament, Nihal Sarin maintained an impressive record, securing the title without a single loss. For ten rounds plus tie-breakers, he amassed a commanding 9.5 points out of 11, comprising eight wins and three draws.
Despite his triumph, Nihal Sarin’s classical rating remains just shy of 2700 points, currently standing at 2698. He belongs to a promising generation of Indian chess players alongside Arjun Erigaisi, Gukesh D, and R Praggnanandhaa, among others, yet has often operated in their shadows.
Looking ahead, Nihal Sarin’s focus will shift to upcoming events crucial for his potential selection in the upcoming FIDE Chess Olympiad scheduled for September this year. His performance in the Romanian Grand Prix has undoubtedly bolstered his prospects and positioned him favourably among his peers.
Meanwhile, Narayanan Sunilduth Lyna represented India in the Grand Prix, finishing in 19th place with a commendable score of 7 points out of 10, contributing to a strong showing by the Indian contingent in the international chess arena.
