In 2006, Şanal became the youngest player on the Turkish national team at the age of eight[1] and defeated world champion Magnus Carlsen in an online blitz game in 2019.

[2] Şanal won the 4th World Schools Chess Championships, U11 section in 2008, scoring 8.5/9, and becoming a Candidate master in the process.

In 2012, he won the European School Championship Open 15, scoring 8.5/9, and also became a FIDE Master that year.

[5] Şanal took part in the 23rd European Chess Championship and won the individual bronze medal for his board.

[6] In 2022, Şanal played first board at Turkish Chess Super League.