Ilia Martinovici wins 2nd Trinakria Festival Open 2025, Bala Chandra Prasad second

by Shahid Ahmed - 30/08/2025

IM Ilia Martinovici (MDA) scored 7.5/9 to win 2nd Trinakria Chess Festival Open A (≥1900) 2025. IM Bala Chandra Prasad Dhulipalla and GM Alessio Valsecchi (ITA) scored 7/9 each. They secured second and third place according to tie-breaks. The total prize fund of the festival was €10000. The top three prizes were €2200 + trophy, €1500 + trophy and €1000 each. The eight-day nine round Rating Open A (≥1900) tournament was organized by ASD Matti per gli Scacchi at Circolo degli Ufficiali dell'Esercito - Piazza Sant'Oliva Palermo in Palermo, Italy from 27th July to 3rd August 2025. FM R Ashwath scored 5/9 to be placed fifth. IM Bhakti Kulkarni was the top female finisher scoring 5/9. Photo: Matti per gli scacchi

No undefeated podium finisher

The festival witnessed a total participation of 138 - 38 in Open A (≥1900), 29 in Open B (1600-1999) and 71 in Open C (<1700).

Champion in Open A - IM Ilia Martinovici (MDA) 7.5/9 | Photo: Matti per gli scacchi

Runner-up - IM Bala Chandra Prasad Dhulipalla 7/9 | Photo: Matti per gli scacchi

Second Runner-up - GM Alessio Valsacchi (ITA) 7/9 | Photo: Matti per gli scacchi

5th FM Ashwath R 5.5/9 | Photo: Matti per gli scacchi

Top female finisher - IM Bhakti Kulkarni 5/9 | Photo: Matti per gli scacchi

Players in action | Photo: Matti per gli scacchi

Prize distribution ceremony | Photo: Matti per gli scacchi

The tournament hall at Circolo degli Ufficiali dell'Esercito - Piazza Sant'Oliva Palermo in Palermo, Italy | Photo: Matti per gli scacchi

A total of 38 players including 3 GMs, 5 IMs and a WIM took part from seven countries across the world. The eight-day nine round Rating Open A (≥1900) tournament was organized by ASD Matti per gli Scacchi at Circolo degli Ufficiali dell'Esercito - Piazza Sant'Oliva Palermo in Palermo, Italy from 27th July to 3rd August 2025. The time control of the event was 40 moves in 90 minutes + 15 minutes + 30 seconds increment per move.