In a moment of triumph for Indian chess, Nagpur's dedicated player Vaibhav Raut has successfully ended a prolonged three-year quest. The 23-year-old has secured his second International Master norm at a round-robin Grandmasters tournament held in Serbia, placing him firmly on the path to the coveted IM title.
The Long Road to the Second Norm
Vaibhav Raut's journey to this milestone has been a test of patience and perseverance. His first major step came in July 2022 when, after attaining the Candidate Master (CM) title, he earned his first IM norm. However, the subsequent period turned into a challenging three-year wait for the crucial second norm. In the world of competitive chess, achieving the International Master title requires a player to fulfill two stringent criteria: securing three IM norms and crossing a live rating threshold of 2400 Elo points.
Victorious Campaign in Serbia
The breakthrough finally occurred on Serbian soil, where Vaibhav displayed remarkable skill and composure. His performance was marked by significant victories over higher-rated opponents, which are essential for norm achievements. His notable scalps included China's Xu Ziyuan and a particularly impressive win against Serbia's own Grandmaster Miloje Rathovic, who boasts a rating of 2460 Elo. Vaibhav sealed the required norm by defeating his compatriot, Mandar Lad, in a decisive game.
What Lies Ahead for the Rising Star
With this hard-fought second norm in his bag, Vaibhav Raut's goal is now clearly in sight. He stands just one final norm and approximately 50 rating points away from officially becoming an International Master. This achievement not only highlights his individual talent but also adds to the growing legacy of Indian chess on the global stage. The chess community in Nagpur and across India will be eagerly watching his next moves as he aims to complete his title quest.
