Highlights from the 3 0 Thursday Tournaments: August 6

Pranesh M’s Near-Perfect Performance

Duda’s Comeback Victory

Atanasov’s Tactical Triumph

Pranesh M Shatters Records at 3 0 Thursday Chess Tournament

August 6, 2026 – In a stunning display of skill and strategy, Grandmaster Pranesh M achieved a remarkable 10.5 out of 11 score in the first tournament of the day at the 3 0 Thursday event, tying the record for the most dominant performance in the tournament’s history. His near-perfect run has left chess enthusiasts buzzing with excitement.

First Tournament: Pranesh Impresses

In a tournament where no player has ever achieved a flawless 11-0 record, Pranesh came tantalizingly close. After a sixth-round draw against International Master Sergey Sklokin, he rebounded with a series of impressive victories, defeating top-seeded players including GM Alexey Sarana, who was the only competitor boasting a Blitz rating over 3300.

Pranesh’s journey through the tournament was nothing short of spectacular. He dispatched recent champions GM Vladimir Fedoseev and GM Jeffery Xiong in quick succession, showcasing his tactical prowess. In the final round, he faced IM Aleksandr Usov, knowing he needed a win to secure first place. With a decisive victory, Pranesh solidified his status as a chess powerhouse, achieving what many consider the greatest performance in the tournament’s history.

Sarana finished in second place with a commendable nine points, while GM Denis Lazavik rounded out the top three with 8.5 points. WFM Sneha Halder, after a rocky start, claimed the women’s prize with 6.5 points.

Second Tournament: Duda Catches Sarana

The second tournament saw Sarana starting strong with 9.5 out of 10, including a stunning victory over Duda in the eighth round. However, Duda, undeterred, kept his momentum going by defeating GM Matthias Bluebaum and IM Yoseph Taher in the subsequent rounds.

In a dramatic final round, Sarana faltered against GM David Paravyan, allowing Duda to seize the opportunity. With a hard-fought endgame victory against Xiong, Duda emerged victorious with a tiebreak score that edged out Sarana, who had to settle for second place once again. IM Reza Mahdavi took third with 8.5 points, while GM Tan Zhongyi claimed the women’s prize with 6.5 points.

Third Tournament: Atanasov Sacrifices His Way to Victory

The day concluded with IM Anthony Atanasov, who began the third tournament on a shaky note after losing his first game to CM Uzair Shahar. However, he quickly turned the tide, winning five consecutive matches, including a breathtaking sacrificial attack against GM Liem Le.

Despite facing another setback against FM Havard Haug, Atanasov showcased his tactical brilliance with a series of stunning sacrifices, culminating in a final round victory over GM Krikor Mekhitarian. His performance earned him first place with nine points, while GM Xiong and GM Fedoseev followed closely behind with 8.5 and 8 points, respectively. WFM Hoang Minh Tho Do won the women’s prize with six points, highlighted by a notable victory over Paravyan.

A Thrilling Day of Chess

The 3 0 Thursday event, featuring three Swiss tournaments for verified titled players, continues to captivate chess fans worldwide. With a combined prize fund of $3,000, the competition showcases the best in chess talent, and this week was no exception. As players like Pranesh, Duda, and Atanasov continue to push the boundaries of the game, the excitement for future tournaments is palpable.