GM Haik Martirosyan Triumphs in Freestyle Friday with Stellar Performance
GM Haik Martirosyan Triumphs in Freestyle Friday, Setting New Tournament Record
February 13, 2026 – In a stunning display of skill and strategy, Grandmaster Haik Martirosyan clinched victory at Chess.com’s Freestyle Friday tournament, scoring an impressive 10.5 points—more than any competitor since last July. This marked Martirosyan’s first win in the event, and he did so with a commanding two-point lead over his closest rivals.
The tournament kicked off with Martirosyan and fellow Grandmaster Jeffery Xiong both achieving perfect 5/5 scores. However, it was Martirosyan who continued his winning streak, reaching 6/6 after their head-to-head matchup. His momentum surged as he defeated renowned GM Ian Nepomniachtchi, pushing his score to 7/7 and establishing a full-point advantage over Xiong and International Master Reza Mahdavi.
As the rounds progressed, Martirosyan maintained his lead, even after a draw against GM Aleksei Sarana in the ninth round. Meanwhile, Xiong kept the pressure on by defeating GM Dmitry Andreikin, narrowing the gap to just half a point.
The tenth round saw a dramatic turn of events. Despite facing a formidable challenge from GM Oleksandr Bortnyk, Martirosyan managed to secure a win, while Xiong was held to a draw by Sarana. This allowed Martirosyan to extend his lead back to a full point, putting him in a strong position heading into the final round.
With only a draw needed to secure his victory, Martirosyan faced GM Martyn Kravtsiv. He quickly gained a significant advantage, while Xiong struggled against Movahed. Martirosyan’s decisive win not only clinched the tournament but also highlighted his dominance throughout the day.
Movahed’s victory over Xiong further solidified Martirosyan’s triumph, leaving Xiong in second place. Mahdavi and Sarana rounded out the top three, both finishing strong with wins in their final matches.
In a noteworthy achievement, GM Alexandra Kosteniuk finished 16th overall, earning the women’s prize in a competitive field of 126 players.
Final Standings:
- GM Haik Martirosyan – 10.5 points
- IM Reza Mahdavi – 8.5 points
- GM Aleksei Sarana – 8.5 points
- GM Jeffery Xiong – 8.5 points
Prizes: Martirosyan took home $400, with Mahdavi, Sarana, and Xiong receiving $250, $150, and $100 respectively. Kosteniuk also earned $100 for her performance.
Freestyle Friday continues to be a highlight in the chess calendar, showcasing the talents of titled players in a unique format. The tournament is held weekly, attracting top competitors from around the globe.
For full standings and more details, visit Chess.com.