Mauritian chess player Bhavish Ramtale has made a remarkable impression at the La Réunion International Chess Open, held from October 10 to 17 in Saint-Denis. Ramtale secured second place in the tournament, which was won by renowned Réunionese player Sylvain Lorans. This achievement marks a significant milestone for Ramtale and the chess community in Mauritius, demonstrating the country's growing presence in the sport.
Ramtale's performance was impressive, as he scored 7 points out of 9 rounds, ultimately accumulating 36 Elo points to elevate his global ranking. He now holds 1,914 points in the Fédération Internationale des Échecs (FIDE) rankings. Notably, Ramtale was the only player to defeat the tournament winner, Sylvain Lorans, who boasts an Elo rating of 2,170 points. This victory serves as a testament to Ramtale's growth as a player and the progress of chess in Mauritius.
The La Réunion International Chess Open saw participation from players from Madagascar, Réunion, and Mauritius. Ramtale was part of a four-member delegation from the Mauritius Chess Federation (MCF), alongside Stephane Lam Kin Cheung, Ashvin Jotee, and Arvind Mungroo. Stephane Lam Kin Cheung finished 16th with 5 points, while Ashvin Jotee and Arvind Mungroo ranked 21st and 22nd, respectively, with 4.5 points each. Arvind Mungroo also gained 90 Elo points, bringing his international ranking to 1,534 points.
Ramtale's journey in chess began at a young age, initially playing for leisure. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, he dedicated himself to the sport, eventually participating in national tournaments. His breakthrough came in 2024 with a win at the MGC Rapid Open, followed by a national blitz championship title in 2025. Despite setbacks, including failing to qualify for the 2026 chess Olympiad, Ramtale persevered, refining his skills to prepare for upcoming tournaments.
Looking ahead, Ramtale's primary objectives are the 2026 and 2027 Masters tournaments, which will serve as qualifiers for the 2028 Chess Olympiad in Abu Dhabi. He emphasizes the importance of consistent practice to master various game strategies, citing the complexity and numerous possibilities in chess. According to Ramtale, starting at a young age provides an advantage, but it is still possible to learn and improve later in life.
Ramtale credits chess with teaching him valuable life skills, such as self-improvement, discipline, and goal-setting. He also highlights the social aspect of the game, which facilitates connections, friendships, and personal growth. As a 31-year-old working in finance, Ramtale appreciates the cognitive and social benefits that chess has brought to his life.
The impressive performance of Bhavish Ramtale at the La Réunion International Chess Open signals a promising future for chess in Mauritius. As the sport continues to grow in the country, Ramtale's achievements serve as an inspiration to aspiring players. With his sights set on upcoming tournaments, Ramtale is poised to make a lasting impact on the international chess scene.
Key points
- Bhavish Ramtale secured second place at the La Réunion International Chess Open, scoring 7 points out of 9 rounds and gaining 36 Elo points.
