New Delhi: Indian women’s chess features contrasting narratives. In Cyprus, Vaishali Rameshbabu and Divya Deshmukh compete intensely in the Women’s Candidates tournament, aiming to challenge the current world champion. Meanwhile, another prominent Indian player has achieved success in a distinct chess variant.
Grandmaster Harika Dronavalli, aged 35, has qualified for the first FIDE Women’s Freestyle Chess World Championship scheduled for next year. She is one of only four Indian women to hold the grandmaster title and continues to be a key figure in the sport.
Last week, at the Grenke Chess Festival in Karlsruhe, Germany, Harika claimed the top women’s award in the Grenke Freestyle Open. This accomplishment makes her the first Indian to earn a place in freestyle chess, a format that randomizes piece starting positions and eliminates reliance on memorized openings.
Freestyle chess, also known as Chess960, challenges players accustomed to traditional strategies like the Ruy Lopez or Sicilian Defense by demanding pure instinct. Harika approached her debut with an open mindset.
“This was my initial experience in a freestyle event,” she shared in an interview. “I hadn’t studied it much beforehand. I entered with no expectations, ready to adapt to the novelty.”
For many top grandmasters, the absence of familiar openings is daunting, but Harika embraced it. “I aimed to perform well, though I was unsure what to expect from my first time. It’s been a pleasant outcome, offering a fresh perspective on chess.”
The tournament tested her against elite competitors. Harika defeated American grandmaster Awonder Liang and drew with renowned player Levon Aronian, a freestyle expert.
“Since the pandemic, I haven’t participated in many open events or faced highly rated opponents,” she noted. “This served as a confidence boost, reminding me of my capabilities.”
Overcoming Liang, rated above 2700, and matching Aronian rekindled her competitive spirit. “It felt like returning to my earlier form. After COVID and having a child, open tournaments were limited. This experience revived those memories.”
Her journey to Germany involved challenges due to regional flight disruptions. “I booked via Qatar Airways well in advance, but cancellations were frequent,” she recalled. “I arrived a day early as a precaution and navigated train delays from Frankfurt, arriving late at night. It was reminiscent of my younger, independent travels.”
Despite the hurdles, Harika appreciated the adventure. “I found it enjoyable, reconnecting with past experiences we’d grown distant from.”
The Grenke Open, the world’s largest open chess tournament, featured over 3,000 participants, creating an vibrant environment. “It evoked memories of youth world championships with numerous players and boards everywhere. Seeing so many enthusiasts was inspiring,”
She began explaining her approach to the format.
