Shreyas Ghadi triumphs at 30th RCC Rapid Cup Rating Open 2026

Shreyas Ghadi scored 8/9 to win 30th RCC International Rated Rapid Cup 2026. He finished a half point ahead of others. Nirmal L, Dhanush Ram M and Aarush Bhat scored 7.5/9 each. They secured second, third and fourth places respectively. The total prize fund was ₹100000. The top three prizes were ₹15000, ₹10000 and ₹7000 along with a trophy each. This was Shreyas’ first tournament triumph of the year.

Shreyas’ first tournament triumph of the year

Sixth seed of the event, Nirmal L was the sole leader 7.5/8, heading into the last round. Aravinda B R and Shreyas Ghadi were trailing by a half point at 7/8 each. Nirmal lost to Shreyas and the latter became the champion, the former second. Gopinath P lost to Dhanush Ram M who claimed third place. Rao’s Chess Corner is run by Karnataka’s top chess couple – IM Sharan Rao and WIM Isha Sharma.

Champion – Shreyas Ghadi 8/9 | Photo: Rao’s Chess Corner

Runner-up – Nirmal L 7.5/9 | Photo: Rao’s Chess Corner

Second Runner-up – Dhanush Ram M 7.5/9 | Photo: Rao’s Chess Corner

Top 3 (L to R): 2nd Nirmal L 7.5/9, 1st Shreyas Ghadi 8/9 and 3rd Dhanush Ram M 7.5/9 | Photo: Rao’s Chess Corner

Shreyas Ghadi scored 8/9, finished a half point ahead of the rest and gained 19.4 Elo rating points

4th Aarush Bhat 7.5/9 | Photo: Rao’s Chess Corner

Trophies for the prize winners | Photo: Rao’s Chess Corner

For more photos, click here.

A total of 122 players took part from all over the country and one from New Zealand. The one-day eleven-round Rapid Rating Open tournament was organized by Rao’s Chess Corner and Khannur Group of Institutions at Ballary Kalyana Mantapa, Ranebennur in Mangalore, Karnataka on 18th January 2026. The time control of the tournament was 10 minutes + 5 seconds increment.

Final standings

Details