In the 2001 Russian Chess Championship, Kharitonov emerged fourth after winning against Dvoirys. He was the winner of the Eforie Nord tournaments in the year 2006 and 2007. In the 2007 French Team Championship, he was victorious against the grandmasters Nyback and Lautier.
Kharitonov was also a prolific live and online blitz chess player, even beating the chess world champion Magnus Carlsen during a friendly encounter in Wijk aan Zee.
Kharitonov is a highly respected trainer in the world of chess, contributing regularly to well-known magazines such as "64 Chess Review".