Sarbartho Mani Wins Silver at FIDE World Cadet Cup, Qualifies for World Cadet Championship

Kolkata’s Sarbartho Mani produced a remarkable comeback to win the silver medal in the Under-10 Open category at the FIDE World Cadet Cup 2026 in Batumi, Georgia. The 10-year-old chess prodigy also secured qualification for the FIDE World Cadet Championship, continuing his impressive rise in international chess.

After slipping down the standings following his only defeat of the tournament, Sarbartho responded with back-to-back victories in the final two rounds to finish on the podium with 8.5 points, just half a point behind champion Rizat Ulan of Kazakhstan.

Sarbartho Mani Finishes Runner-Up at FIDE World Cadet Cup

Sarbartho concluded the 11-round tournament with 8.5 points, tying with fellow Indian Sattwik Swain, who claimed the bronze medal.

Kazakhstan’s Rizat Ulan won the title with 9 points, finishing just half a point ahead of the two Indian youngsters.

The silver-medal finish also earned Sarbartho a coveted place at the FIDE World Cadet Championship, where the world’s top young players will compete later this year.

Strong Start Before Mid-Tournament Setback

Entering the competition as the top seed, Sarbartho carried an Elo rating of 2311 after recently earning the prestigious FIDE Master (FM) title by crossing the 2300-rating mark.

He remained unbeaten through the opening eight rounds, including a draw against eventual champion Rizat Ulan, keeping himself firmly in title contention.

However, his campaign suffered a setback in the ninth round when he lost to Cadet Master Aiden Linyuan Li of the United States, dropping from second place to eighth in the standings.

Impressive Comeback Secures Silver Medal

Rather than allowing the defeat to derail his tournament, Sarbartho responded with determination.

The Kolkata youngster won both of his remaining games, climbing from fifth place before the final round to finish second overall.

Across the tournament, he recorded:

• 7 victories
• 3 draws
• 1 defeat

His strong finish highlighted his resilience under pressure and secured another international medal for Indian chess.

Another Major Achievement for the Kolkata Prodigy

Sarbartho’s latest success builds on an already impressive junior career.

The 10-year-old won the gold medal at the same tournament last year and recently became a FIDE Master, making him one of India’s brightest young chess prospects.

By qualifying for the World Cadet Championship, he will now have another opportunity to compete against the world’s strongest players in his age category.

Sattwik Swain Also Qualifies for World Championship

India enjoyed another successful campaign thanks to Odisha’s Sattwik Swain, who shared second place on points before finishing with the bronze medal.

Swain led the standings through the ninth round but settled for third after drawing his final three games.

Like Sarbartho, he also qualified for the upcoming FIDE World Cadet Championship.

Indian Chess Continues to Shine on the Global Stage

The performances of Sarbartho Mani and Sattwik Swain underline India’s growing strength in youth chess.

With another podium finish at a major international tournament and qualification for the World Cadet Championship, Sarbartho has reinforced his reputation as one of India’s most promising young talents and a future star of the sport.

Key Takeaways

• Sarbartho Mani won silver in the Under-10 Open category at the FIDE World Cadet Cup.
• He finished with 8.5 points, just half a point behind champion Rizat Ulan.
• The Kolkata youngster qualified for the FIDE World Cadet Championship.
• Sarbartho recently earned the FIDE Master (FM) title after crossing a 2300 Elo rating.

India’s Sattwik Swain also reached the podium with a bronze medal.