International Master Sahithi Varshini has moved a step closer to achieving the prestigious Woman Grandmaster (WGM) title by securing her second WGM norm at the Kanizsa Open 2026 in Hungary.
Sahithi scored five points from nine rounds, producing an impressive 2429 performance rating and gaining 37 FIDE rating points. Her live classical rating has now risen to 2313, taking her above the 2300 Elo mark.
The Visakhapatnam player delivered an impressive performance defeating GM Yeshaayahu Tzidkiya (2492) and IM Sahib Singh (2354). Her final-round victory against Sahib Singh was particularly memorable, as she showed tremendous fighting spirit and excellent technique in a long queen-versus-rook endgame.
With two WGM norms now secured, Sahithi needs just one more WGM norm with a 2400-plus performance to complete the requirements for the Woman Grandmaster title.
The achievement follows another strong international performance in France.
At the Juraflore International Chess Tournament in Les Rousses, Sahithi was adjudged the ‘Best Woman Player’ scoring 5/9 in a strong field and gaining 30 rating points.
