12-year-old Vyom Malhotra earns first IM norm in France

Twelve-year-old Vyom Malhotra earned his first IM norm at the 1st Juraflore Fort des Rousses Master in France.

Malhotra scored 6/9 and finished ninth in the 51-player Master group. The official French federation standings list a 2472 performance, with Malhotra the only untitled player in the top 10.

His nine-round run included five wins and two draws after an opening-round loss. The tournament was played in Les Rousses from June 27 to July 4.

Photo: Echiquier Lédonien.