Demchenko Draws Makkar in EICC Italian Game

The Matchup

GM Anton Demchenko (2636) faced IM Rajat Makkar (2422) in round 2 of the 2026 European Individual Championship in Katowice. The 214-point rating gap made Demchenko the heavy favorite, but Makkar has shown he can compete with stronger opposition — he notably defeated GM Jon Ludvig Hammer (2593) earlier in the tournament.

The Opening

The players entered the Italian Game with 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6, reaching the Two Knights Defense variation. This classical opening choice suggested both players were content to play principled chess rather than seek complications from the start.

The Italian Game has seen a renaissance in recent years, with top players appreciating its blend of strategic depth and tactical possibilities. While it may appear less forcing than sharper openings like the Sicilian, the resulting positions often reward the player with better understanding of the typical plans and piece placements.

The Draw

The game concluded peacefully with a draw, a result that likely satisfied both players for different reasons. For Demchenko, avoiding complications against a dangerous opponent while maintaining his tournament position was reasonable. For Makkar, earning half a point against a much higher-rated grandmaster represents a solid result that keeps his tournament hopes alive.

In a Swiss tournament like the European Championship, rating favorites often prefer to avoid unnecessary risks in the early rounds, especially when facing opponents who have nothing to lose. Makkar's recent form — including his upset victory over Hammer — made him a particularly dangerous opponent to face with the black pieces.

The draw leaves both players in the hunt as the tournament progresses. Demchenko, who won the 2021 European Championship in Reykjavik, will be looking to add another continental title to his resume. For Makkar, every half-point against strong opposition builds momentum and confidence.

At ChessFlow, games like this Italian Game encounter capture the strategic depth that makes chess such a compelling spectacle — the kind of positional battle that looks elegant hanging on your wall.