Ihor Samunenkov

Ihor Eduardovych Samunenkov (, born June 15, 2009) is a Ukrainian chess grandmaster. A chess prodigy, he was awarded the title of Grandmaster at the age of 14, making him one of the world's youngest grandmasters.

Early life Samunenkov was born on June 15, 2009 in Kyiv, Ukraine. He has been playing chess professionally since the age of 8.

Chess career

World Cadets Rapid Chess Championship (2019): Competed in the Under 10 section.

Kyiv Chess Open (2021): A significant event where young talents like Samunenkov showcased their skills.

Rudaga - Kaissa (2021): An online tournament where he faced international competitors.

Riga Technical University Open (2021): open tournament, which attracts a mix of amateur and professional players.

Ukraine Chess Championship (2021): Competed in the Boys - 18 category and also in the rapid.

50th Anniversary of Mariupol Chess Club Open (2021): A commemorative tournament with a notable prize fund.

In December 2021, Samunenkov won the U12 World Youth Chess Championship tournament by defeating the world's youngest grandmaster Abhimanyu Mishra.

Samunenkov was invited to participate as a wild card in the FIDE Grand Swiss Tournament 2023. He got his only win of the event against Michał Krasenkow in the sixth round.

In December 2023, Samunenkov was formally awarded the Grandmaster title after having completed all the requirements earlier on September 26. Upon this, he became the world's youngest grandmaster and remained as such until Andy Woodward, who fulfilled the Grandmaster requirements on January 30, 2024, was awarded the title in April 2024.

Notable games

Against Wellington S Albuquerque Junior (2024): Samunenkov showcased his skill in the Sicilian Defense, Open, Classical Variation, securing a win in 35 moves.

Versus Artem Bardyk (2024): In a Queen’s Pawn Opening, Chigorin Variation, he won after an intense 75 moves.

Playing Artin Ashraf (2024): He triumphed in the Queen’s Indian Defense, Fianchetto, Nimzowitsch Variation, Nimzowitsch Attack in just 40 moves.

Match with Aryan Tari (2024): Samunenkov won using the French Defense, St. George Defense, in 48 moves.

Game against Rasmus Svane (2024): He successfully played the Queen’s Gambit Declined, Catalan Opening, and won in 71 moves.

Match against Harsh Suresh Abu Dhabi Chess Festival (2024: A brilliant 23 move miniature.