Armenian chess players improve international rankings

PanARMENIAN.Net - Armenian chess players registered rating progress at the “Grand Swiss 2025” tournament held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.

According to the Armenian Chess Federation, the men’s tournament featured 116 leading players from 33 countries.

In a highly competitive event, Anish Giri of the Netherlands claimed first place with 8 points and secured a spot in the 2026 Candidates Tournament. Matthias Bluebaum of Germany, who scored 7.5 points, took second place and also earned the same right.

After 11 rounds, the Armenian players scored as follows:

• Shant Sargsyan – 6.5 points
• Aram Hakobyan – 6 points
• Robert Hovhannisyan – 5.5 points
• Gabriel Sargsyan – 5 points
• Hayk Martirosyan – 5 points

Shant Sargsyan placed 20th overall, earning a prize spot and gaining 14.1 rating points.

Aram Hakobyan finished in 30th place and increased his rating by 13.3 points.

The women’s tournament featured 56 top players from 26 countries.

Vaishali Rameshbabu of India claimed first place with 8 points, followed by Kateryna Lagno (FIDE) with the same score. Both earned qualification for the Women’s Candidates Tournament.

Grandmaster Elina Danielyan scored 6 points, placing 18th and earning a prize position.

Lilit Mkrtchyan ended the tournament with 4.5 points.