Fagernes International 2026: Gloeckler Leads, Indian Players Close Behind

IM Christian Gloeckler leads the Fagernes International Autumn 2026 GM section with 3/3, while India's Harika and Harshavardhan are close behind.

The Fagernes International Autumn 2026 is under way in Fagernes, Norway, and German IM Christian Gloeckler has made a perfect start. After three rounds of the grandmaster section, he has 3 points out of 3.

The GM section is a 10-round Swiss at a classical time control of 100 minutes for 40 moves, followed by 40 minutes, with 30 seconds added per move. That is one of the longest time controls on the international calendar, giving players plenty of time to think.

Indian chess fans have a lot to follow in Fagernes. A large group of Indian players are taking part, from established grandmasters to young titled players. GM Dronavalli Harika and GM Harshavardhan G B are both on 2.5 points, just behind the leader. In round 3, Harika drew with the experienced Norwegian GM Frode Olav Olsen Urkedal, and Harshavardhan won with White against FM Evsuld Myagmarsuren.

GM Rinat Jumabayev of Kazakhstan, one of the top seeds, also has 2.5 points after beating IM Moksh Amit Doshi of India in round 3. Norwegian GM Aksel Bu Kvaloy is among the players on 2.5 as well.

There were some surprises in round 3. GM Krishnan Sasikiran of India lost to IM Chan Kim Yew, and two young Indian players, IM Apaar Saxena and FM Bagwe Gaurang, beat higher-rated opponents.

Open tournaments like Fagernes are excellent places for young players to gain experience. They can play against grandmasters, earn rating points and work towards titles, all in one event.

For students, the long time control here offers a lesson in patience. With so much time on the clock, the challenge is to use it well, thinking deeply at important moments without getting into time trouble later. Good time management is a skill that wins many games.

Seven rounds remain in Fagernes.