RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Grandmaster (GM) Susanto Megaranto emerged as the champion of the JAPFA FIDE Rated 2026 chess tournament at The Tavia Heritage Hotel, Jakarta, on Tuesday, May 26, 2026. He secured the title after defeating International Master (IM) Tirta Chandra Purnama in the ninth and final round.

Susanto finished with 7.5 points from nine rounds, outpacing GM Novendra Priasmoro, who collected 6.5 points. IM Tirta Chandra also tallied 6.5 points to place third, followed by IM Satria Duta Cahaya with 6.5 points and Stevanky with 6 points, rounding out the top five.

Speaking after the closing ceremony, Susanto highlighted the fierce competition throughout the tournament and emphasized the importance of gaining experience in internationally rated events to sharpen skills.

“It was quite good overall, but I think I still need more experience. That’s why more rated tournaments are necessary, since most events here are rapid and blitz,” he said.

He noted that his toughest challenge came in the eighth round against Stevanky, a match he considered pivotal in his journey to the championship.

“My hardest game was probably against Stevanky in round eight. From that point, I gained more confidence to face upcoming international tournaments,” Susanto added.

JAPFA officials expressed appreciation for the support of the Indonesian Chess Association (Percasi), which ensured the smooth running of the event. They also celebrated the achievement of two players from the Java Chess Club, who finished first and third in the open category.

“We thank Percasi for their support in making this tournament successful. We are also proud that two players from Java Chess Club secured top finishes,” Head of Internal Audit at JAPFA, Ng Iwan, said.

The JAPFA FIDE Rated 2026 tournament featured 350 players from Indonesia and seven other countries, including Australia, Japan, and Germany. Held from May 22 to 26, the event consisted of nine rounds of standard chess, with a total prize pool of Rp 180 million. (Diffa Sephiawardhani)