IMs Renato Terry and Karina Ambartsumova Shine in Record-Breaking 3 0 Thursday Tournaments
Highlights from April 16: Terry Claims 11th Victory, Ambartsumova Secures 13th Title
IMs Renato Terry and Karina Ambartsumova Shine in Record-Breaking 3 0 Thursday Tournaments
April 16, 2026 – In a thrilling display of skill and strategy, International Masters Renato Terry and Karina Ambartsumova extended their records for 3 0 Thursday tournament victories, solidifying their status as titans in the chess community. Terry clinched his remarkable 11th title in the day’s final tournament, while Ambartsumova secured her 13th women’s prize, showcasing their dominance in the competitive arena.
1st Tournament: Taher’s Winning Streak Continues
The day kicked off with IM Yoseph Theolifus Taher continuing his impressive form from last week. After winning his first-ever 3 0 Thursday tournament just a week prior, Taher emerged victorious in the first tournament of the day, finishing with an impressive score of 9.5/11. Despite a setback in the third round, he rallied to win six consecutive games, including a commanding victory against GM Sina Movahed, a formidable opponent in recent blitz events.
Taher’s final round featured a strategic triumph using the Benko Gambit against GM Matthias Bluebaum, sealing his victory and earning him the top spot. Movahed finished second with nine points, edging out IM Matvey Galchenko on tiebreaks. IM Deysi Cori also made headlines by claiming the women’s prize for the second time.
2nd Tournament: Maghsoodloo Triumphs Amidst Challenges
In the second tournament, GM Parham Maghsoodloo faced unexpected hurdles, losing two games without making a move due to connection issues. However, he showcased resilience by winning all nine games he played, ultimately taking clear first place. A nail-biting fifth-round match saw him narrowly defeat GM Benjamin Bok by a mere tenth of a second on the clock.
Maghsoodloo’s victory over Taher in the ninth round prevented the latter from securing a third consecutive win. Terry finished in second place with 8.5 points, while Ambartsumova claimed the women’s prize with a remarkable performance, defeating three opponents rated over 3000.
3rd Tournament: Terry’s Historic 11th Title
The final tournament of the day saw Terry leave no room for doubt, finishing undefeated with a score of 9.5/11, a point and a half ahead of his nearest competitor. His victory over GM Aryan Tari in a lengthy endgame was a highlight of the tournament, followed by a convincing win against Taher.
GM Jose Martinez secured second place with eight points, leading a tightly contested group of players. IM-elect Rose Atwell took home the women’s prize with a solid performance, scoring six points.
A Thriving Chess Community
The 3 0 Thursday series continues to attract top-tier talent, with a combined prize fund of $3,000 each week. This unique format, featuring three Swiss tournaments for verified titled players, emphasizes rapid play and strategic depth, making it a favorite among chess enthusiasts.
As the chess world watches, Terry and Ambartsumova’s remarkable achievements serve as a testament to their dedication and skill, inspiring the next generation of players to reach for greatness.