Rising Star: GM Sina Movahed Dominates Titled Tuesday with Historic 10.5 Points
Rising Star: 15-Year-Old GM Sina Movahed Dominates Titled Tuesday
March 10, 2026 — In a stunning display of skill and strategy, 15-year-old Iranian grandmaster Sina Movahed has made headlines once again, becoming the first player to score an impressive 10.5 points in a Titled Tuesday tournament this year. Following his recent triumph at the Under-16 ChessKid Youth Championship, Movahed’s victory in the online blitz tournament has solidified his status as a formidable force in the chess world.
Movahed’s performance was nothing short of extraordinary, as he led the tournament wire-to-wire, ultimately finishing a full point ahead of the legendary Magnus Carlsen, who secured second place with 9.5 points. The highlight of the tournament came in the seventh round when Movahed faced Carlsen, defeating him in a match that showcased his tactical prowess.
In a post-tournament interview, Movahed reflected on his experience, stating, “I always struggle in 5+0, but today it worked out for me.” When asked about his victory over Carlsen, he humbly remarked, “This is not something I expect, but in blitz, I feel like I have really great chances, especially online.”
Despite his success, Movahed was self-critical, admitting, “The first four rounds were terrible; I could have lost any of them.” He also addressed the political situation in Iran, noting that he was currently playing from Armenia and emphasizing, “I just play chess—this is my work—so I don’t really have thoughts on that.”
A Competitive Field
The Titled Tuesday tournament attracted a robust field of 476 players, the largest since September. After the first break, 21 players emerged with perfect scores of 4/4, but only six managed to maintain their momentum into the fifth round. Among them were Movahed, Carlsen, and GM Denis Lazavik.
As the tournament progressed, Movahed’s path to victory became increasingly challenging. He faced Lazavik in a crucial match that would determine the tournament’s direction. Movahed ultimately triumphed, moving to 8/8 before a draw against GM Nikolas Theodorou in the ninth round. This draw, however, did not deter him; he quickly regained his lead, defeating GM Benjamin Bok in the tenth round.
Standings and Future Prospects
With this victory, Movahed has tied for first place in the Champions Chess Tour (CCT) standings alongside last week’s winner, GM Javokhir Sindarov. The competition remains fierce, with only two weeks into the spring split.
CCT Standings (Top 5):
- GM Sina Movahed – 10 points
- GM Javokhir Sindarov – 10 points
- GM Dmitry Andreikin – 7 points
- GM Magnus Carlsen – 7 points
- GM Nikolas Theodorou – 7 points
As Movahed continues to rise through the ranks, the chess community eagerly anticipates his next moves. With a blend of youthful exuberance and tactical brilliance, he is undoubtedly a player to watch in the coming years.
Conclusion
Sina Movahed’s remarkable achievement in the Titled Tuesday tournament not only highlights his exceptional talent but also serves as an inspiration for young chess players around the globe. As he continues to break barriers and set records, the chess world is left wondering: what will this prodigy accomplish next?