Bandung-Indonesia, February 17, 2025
In a highly intense and closely contested battle at the Indonesian Grandmaster Tournament, Indonesia’s International Master (IM) Yoseph T. Taher (2439) emerged victorious over his compatriot, IM Aditya Bagus Arfan (2402), in the tournament’s second round. The match took place at Hotel Mewangi in Bandung on Monday, and it has added another exciting chapter to this prestigious event.
Facing the challenge of a former tournament champion from the 2024 edition, Yoseph demonstrated steadfast determination and tactical acumen. With a display of brilliant strategy and a relentless fighting spirit, he managed to topple Aditya’s black pieces on move 65 — a critical turning point that underscored his prowess in time management. “I recognize that Aditya is no easy opponent; his play was both persistent and resilient. However, by capitalizing on my time advantage, I was able to destabilize his position and secure the win,” Yoseph explained after the match. His victory was not only a personal achievement but also a statement of his readiness to take on higher challenges on the national chess stage.
By winning his second-round match, Yoseph now holds full 2 Points, having already defeated another top contender, the host favorite GM Novendra Priasmoro, who played with the white pieces in the opening round. Thanks to this full point haul, Yoseph currently leads the tournament standings. He is closely trailed by South Korean IM Lee Junhyeok (2426), who edged out Philippine GM Daniel Quizon (2471) in a similarly hard-fought round. This surge in the ranking underscores the competitive spirit that has defined the tournament so far.
In another key encounter during round two, GM Novendra Priasmoro (2437) secured a draw against his senior opponent, GM Susanto Megaranto, in an exceptionally fast-paced game. Unlike some of their more prolonged encounters, this match was played at an extra-rapid pace, with both grandmasters evenly splitting the points. The accelerated nature of the game highlighted the players’ ability to adapt quickly and keep up with the fast-evolving tactical demands on the board.
Speaking on the performance levels and expectations for Indonesia’s seasoned players, the President of PB Percasi, Utut Adianto, remarked on GM Susanto’s remarkable talent despite his stagnant Elo rating, which has lingered at 2502. “As a senior chess player in Indonesia, Susanto should be inspiring the younger generation by competing vigorously and aiming for an Elo rating of over 2600. It is regrettable that his efforts have not risen to the challenge of achieving even higher accomplishments,” Utut noted. His comments further spotlight the pressure on established players to continuously evolve and remain competitive on an international level.
On the international front, the tournament’s International Master category also featured compelling action. Ukrainian very strong GM Vitaliy Bernardskiy (2531) delivered an impressive performance in round two by defeating IM Arif Abdul Hafiz (2349), cementing his position at the top of the standings with 2 points. Bernardskiy’s win has reinforced his reputation as a formidable competitor in this category. Directly behind him in the rankings are four other players — IM Nayaka Budhidarma (2356), IM Farid Firmansyah (2375), Philippine IM Jan Immanuel Garcia (2415), and FM Satria Duta Cahaya (2360) — each holding 1.5 points. This close grouping highlights the razor-thin margins that often decide the outcomes in elite chess tournaments.
In a separate statement, Nanang Surahman Agung, the Chairperson of the Indonesian Grandmaster Tournament 2025 Organizing Committee, underscored the significance of having a seasoned player like GM Susanto serve as a role model in this international competition. However, Nanang expressed disappointment over Susanto’s inconsistent performance and noted that his unstable results have raised concerns among supporters. Reflecting on the progress of the tournament over the past two years, he pointed out that the levels of play and overall tournament organization have substantially improved.
Nanang further stated that the Indonesian Grandmaster Tournament 2025 has reached new heights, not only due to the refined skills of its players but also thanks to the robust support from prominent sponsors. Esteemed companies such as PT Bukit Asam Tbk, PT Bank BNI Tbk, PT Bank Mandiri (Persero) Tbk, and PT Kilang Pertamina Internasional have come on board, elevating the profile and competitive standards of the event. Their backing has been instrumental in attracting a diverse pool of talent from across the globe.
Indeed, the tournament now sees participants from 10 countries, many of whom boast impressive Elo ratings. Among the international competitors are GM Safarli Eltaj from Azerbaijan, rated 2609; GM Sethuraman S.P. from India, rated 2557; and GM Kuybokarov Temur from Australia, holding an Elo rating of 2550. Their presence not only enriches the competitive landscape but also provides invaluable experience and inspiration for the national players seeking to elevate their own standards.
“These foreign players not only bring high Elo ratings but are also remarkably young. Their vigor, stamina, and impressive achievements make them tough opponents who push our local players to further improve and reach new competitive heights,” concluded Nanang. The infusion of youthful talent and international expertise promises an exciting future for Indonesian chess, as the tournament continues to serve as a vital platform for both emerging and established players alike.
