Chennai, Aug. 15 -- Grand Master (GM) M Pranesh held on to win the Challengers title at the Chennai Grand Masters 2025, earning the opportunity to compete in the Masters section next year, despite a final-round setback against International Master (IM) Harshavardhan GB.

The 19-year-old had built enough of a cushion going into the last day to edge out GM Abhimanyu Puranik, GM Adhiban Baskaran, and GM Leon Luke Mendonca, who all failed to capitalise on slip-ups elsewhere, as per a press release from Chennai Grand Masters.

In the Masters, GM Vincent Keymer wrapped up an already-secured crown in style, defeating GM Ray Robson with Black to finish a commanding tournament run. Arjun Erigaisi was among three players sharing second place, joini...