15-Year-Old GM Savva Vetokhin Wins 2024 Sunway Sitges Chess Festival with Impressive Victory

The 2024 Sunway Sitges Chess Festival concluded with a bang as 15-year-old GM Savva Vetokhin emerged victorious after a thrilling blitz playoff against GM Ido Gorshtein. The young grandmaster from Russia showcased his exceptional skills by going undefeated throughout the tournament and defeating some top-seeded players on his way to victory.

Vetokhin, who was seeded only 11th in the field, exceeded all expectations with his impressive performance, finishing with a score of 8/10 and a 2633 performance rating. In the final round, he displayed heroic defense in a challenging endgame against GM Jules Moussard to secure a crucial draw.

In the blitz playoff, Vetokhin faced off against Gorshtein, another undefeated player in the tournament. With nerves of steel, Vetokhin outplayed his opponent and clinched the victory with a 2-0 scoreline, earning himself the €5,000 first prize.

The Sunway Sitges Chess Festival, known for its well-organized and popular open tournaments, attracted a total of 361 players from 53 different nations this year. Despite the absence of some top stars, the event provided a platform for young talents like Vetokhin to shine.

With his first major tournament victory under his belt, Vetokhin has firmly established himself as a player to watch in the chess world. As the chess community eagerly awaits his future performances, the organizers are already gearing up for the next edition of the festival in December 2025.

The Sunway Sitges Chess Festival continues to be a highlight on the chess calendar, offering a perfect blend of competitive chess, side events, and a vibrant atmosphere for players and spectators alike. Stay tuned for more exciting chess action from this prestigious event in the years to come.