Goutham Krishna H decimates 37th RCC STS Blitz Rating Open 2026
IM Goutham Krishna H scored an unbeaten 8.5/9 to win 37th RCC STS International Rated Blitz Cup 2026. IM Nitin S, IM Ratnakaran K and WFM Kheerthi Ganta scored 8/9 each. They were placed second, third and fourth respectively among tie-breaks. The total prize fund of the festival was ₹1400001, ₹100000 in the Rapid event. The top three prizes were ₹20000, ₹10000 and ₹7000 along with a trophy each.
Goutham’s second rating tournament triumph of the year, third in the festival
IM Ratnakaran K made a blazing start by winning eight games in-a-row. His Keralite statemate and the top seed of the event, IM Goutham Krishna H was the only player trailing by a half point at 7.5/8. Goutham defeated Ratnakaran in the final round to become a clear champion, Ratnakaran finished third. IM Nitin S won against Pranav A J to secure a second place finish. WFM Kheerthi Ganta scored an impressive 8/9 to finish fourth. She is the only non-IM/GM finisher among top eight and also the sole female among the top ten finishers.
Rao’s Chess Corner is run by Karnataka’s top chess couple – IM Sharan Rao and WIM Isha Sharma.
Champion – IM Goutham Krishna H 8.5/9 | Photo: Rao’s Chess Corner
Runner-up – IM Nitin S 8/9 | Photo: Rao’s Chess Corner
Second Runner-up – IM Ratnakaran K 8/9 | Photo: Rao’s Chess Corner
Top 3 (L to R): 3rd IM Ratnakaran K 8/9, 1st IM Goutham Krishna H 8.5/9 and 2nd IM Nitin S 8/9 | Photo: Rao’s Chess Corner
IM Goutham Krishna H scored an unbeaten 8.5/9, finished a half point ahead of the rest and added 3.9 Elo rating points
For more photos, click here.
A total of 368 players including a GM and 9 IMs took part from all over the country and one from the USA. The one-day nine-round Blitz Rating Open tournament was organized by Rao’s Chess Corner at St. Theresas School Bethany Institution, Bendur in Mangalore, Karnataka on 30th and 31st March 2026. The time control of the tournament was 3 minutes + 2 seconds increment.
Final standings
Links
Rao’s Chess Corner: Official site, facebook, instagram and youtube
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