Sriram Jha superb at N R Memorial Rapid Rating Open 2026

GM Sriram Jha scored an unbeaten 8.5/9 to win N R Memorial Rapid Rating Open 2026. Sparsh Khandelwal scored 8/9 to secure second place. Dishank Sachin Bajaj finished third scoring 7.5/9

Sriram’s second rating tournament triumph of the year

GM Sriram Jha and Sparsh Khandelwal were coleaders at 7.5/8 each, heading into the final round. Sriram defeated Vivekanand Yadav to become a clear champion. Sparsh drew against Dishank Sachin Bajaj. They were placed second and third respectively. Madhya Pradesh’s first IM Akshat Khamparia defeated Anish Ansari to finish fourth.

The total prize fund was ₹100000. The top three prizes were ₹21000, ₹12000 and ₹10000 along with a trophy each.

Champion – GM Sriram Jha 8.5/9 | Photo: Satpuda College of Engineering and Polytechnic, Balaghat

Runner-up – Sparsh Khandelwal 8/9 | Photo: Satpuda College of Engineering and Polytechnic, Balaghat

Second Runner-up – Dishank Sachin Bajaj 7.5/9 | Photo: Satpuda College of Engineering and Polytechnic, Balaghat

GM Sriram Jha during various rounds | Photo: Satpuda College of Engineering and Polytechnic, Balaghat

GM Sriram Jha scored an unbeaten 8.5/9, finished a half point ahead of the rest and gained 3 Elo rating points

Madhya Pradesh’s first IM Akshat Khamparia scored 7/9 to finish fourth | Photo: Satpuda College of Engineering and Polytechnic, Balaghat

Inaugural first move | Photo: Satpuda College of Engineering and Polytechnic, Balaghat

Trophies for the prize winners | Photo: Satpuda College of Engineering and Polytechnic, Balaghat

Various prize winners | Photo: Satpuda College of Engineering and Polytechnic, Balaghat

The tournament hall at Satpuda College of Engineering and Polytechnic in Balaghat, Madhya Pradesh | Photo: Satpuda College of Engineering and Polytechnic, Balaghat

A total of 149 players including a GM and an IM took part from all over the country. The one-day nine-round Rapid Rating Open tournament was organized by Rishabh Khandelwal at Satpuda College of Engineering and Polytechnic in Balaghat, Madhya Pradesh on 10th May 2026. The time control of the tournament was 15 minutes + 5 seconds increment.

Final standings

Details

Links

Satpuda College of Engineering and Polytechnic, Balaghat: Official site and facebook