Vincent Keymer is in a red-hot form; he won Grenke Freestyle 2026, remaining unbeaten, and now he has won Super Chess Classic Romania 2026. Vincent had a rough loss against Javokhir Sindarov in the 7th round. But he persevered, drew a tough position against Fabiano in Round 8, and scored a critical win in the final round against Jorden with the White pieces to clinch clear first place.
Vincent Keymer with his father Christof and coach Peter Leko | Photo: Abhyudaya Ram
Champion: Vincent Keymer | Photo: Lennart Ootes/Grand Chess Tour
Vincent Keymer: “It’s been an amazing event for me with quite a big blow in the middle. But still, overall, I am very happy with both the result and my performance. I managed to win all my white games. I guess, even by far, the biggest classical tournament victory ever for me. And starting like that in the Grand Chess Tour is, of course, an amazing feeling.”
We caught up with Vincent for an interview after his final round win over Jorden van Foreest, and we interviewed his coach, Peter Leko!
Check out the games!
Now we will bring you all the action from this round.
Vincent Keymer vs Jorden van Foreest
It was the 3rd classical clash between Vincent and Jorden this year, both faced each other in the Tata Steel Masters and the Prague Masters, and Jorden emerged as victorious both times. It was an important clash for Vincent as he and Caruana were co-leading before this round. Check out the critical moment.
Position after 15…Qa5
Jorden made a huge error early in the opening and played 15…Qa5, this move allowed 16.Nd5 with a continuation to win the exchange.
Vincent Keymer vs Jorden van Foreest (1-0) | Photo: Lennart Ootes/Grand Chess Tour
Javokhir Sindarov vs Wesley So (0.5-0.5) | Photo: Abhyudaya Ram
Anish Giri vs. R Praggnanandhaa (0.5-0.5) | Photo: Abhyudaya Ram
Maxime Vachier-Lagrave vs. Fabiano Caruana (0.5-0.5) | Photo: Abhyudaya Ram
Replay Round 9 GamesResults and Standings
Round 9 Results | Graphic: Grand Chess Tour
Final Standings | Graphic: Grand Chess Tour
Prize Money | Graphic: Grand Chess Tour
Photo Gallery: ChessBase India, GCT
Pragg and Wesley are analysing the game | Photo: Lennart Ootes/Grand Chess Tour
All players | Photo: Lennart Ootes/Grand Chess Tour
Vincent secured $131,000 with 1st place | Photo: Lennart Ootes/Grand Chess Tour
Vincent with his fans | Photo: Lennart Ootes/Grand Chess Tour
A big congratulations to Peter Leko and Vincent’s father, Christof
Video Gallery: ChessBase India
At just 7 years old, Ronaldo is defeating masters, playing blindfold chess, and dreaming of becoming the youngest World Chess Champion in history.
Line Up
A spectacular start to the in Bucharest. Watch the amazing opening ceremony featuring the world’s top chess stars and unforgettable moments | Video: ChessBase India
Prize Fund
The total prize fund for each of the Classical Events shall be Three Hundred and Fifty Thousand Dollars ($350,000), which shall be distributed as follows:
Source: Official Site
Format and Time Control
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10-player Round Robin
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90 minutes for 40 moves, and 30 minutes for the rest of the game, with a 30-second increment from move 1.
Point System
1 point for a win, ½ point for a draw, and 0 points for a loss in all games.
Venue: National Bank of Romania Museum
Housed within the stunning Old Palace in Bucharest’s historic Lipscani district, the National Bank of Romania Museum offers a captivating journey through financial history. Visitors can explore one of the most significant numismatic collections in Central and Eastern Europe, featuring rare gold coins, antique banknotes, and the legendary National Treasure.
National Bank of Romania | Photo: Grand Chess TourImportant Links
Grand Chess Tour: Official Site, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube
Super Chess Classic Romania: Details, Results and Standings, Tickets
