Tamil Chess Coach proudly congratulates Nafees M on his outstanding performance at the Sooriya Chess Academy’s 1st International FIDE Rated Open Chess Tournament, held from June 3 to June 7, 2026, at Kelambakkam, Tamil Nadu.
Competing against a strong field of players from across the country, Nafees scored an impressive 6.5 points out of 9 rounds, finishing in 14th place overall. Entering the tournament with a FIDE rating of 1696, he delivered a performance rating of 1784 and gained 30.8 FIDE rating points, reflecting the quality and consistency of his play throughout the event.
A major highlight of the tournament was Nafees securing 1st Place in his rating category, an achievement that earned him a cash prize of ₹10,000. This accomplishment demonstrates his ability to compete successfully against higher-rated opposition and capitalize on crucial opportunities during the event.
Throughout the tournament, Nafees faced several strong opponents, including titled and experienced players. His fighting spirit, disciplined preparation, and determination helped him achieve excellent results and remain among the leading performers in his category.
Winning a rating category prize in a large international FIDE-rated tournament is a significant milestone for any young chess player. Nafees’s success serves as an inspiration to fellow students and highlights the value of consistent training, tournament experience, and hard work.
Tamil Chess Coach is delighted to celebrate this remarkable achievement and wishes Nafees continued success in his future tournaments. May this victory be the first of many more accomplishments on his chess journey.
Congratulations, Nafees, on your excellent performance, rating gain, category title, and ₹10,000 prize win!