Avirat Chauhan dominates 1st Late MLA Vinayakrao Nimhan Memorial Rapid Rating Open 2026
Avirat Chauhan scored an unbeaten 8.5/9 to win 1st MLA Vinayakrao Nimhan Memorial Rapid Rating Open 2026.
Avirat’s ninth overall, third rating tournament triumph of the year
Avirat Chauhan was the sole leader 7.5/8, heading into the final round. Seven players were trailing by a half point at 7/8 each. Om Nagnath Lamkane lost to Avirat and the latter became a clear champion. FM Viresh Sharnarthi defeated CM Ashish Chaudhari to secure second place 8/9. Sourabh Mhamane won against Omkar Kadav to finish third 8/9.
The total prize fund was ₹200000. The top three prizes were ₹30000, ₹20000 and ₹10000 along with a trophy each.
Champion – Avirat Chauhan 8.5/9
Top 3 (L to R): 3rd Sourabh Mhamane 8/9, 1st Avirath Chauhan 8.5/9 and 2nd FM Viresh Sharnarthi 8/9
Avirat Chauhan scored an unbeaten 8.5/9, finished a half point ahead of the rest and gained 50.4 Elo rating points
A total of 445 players including an IM took part from various parts of the country, one from Canada and Mauritius each and two from the Netherlands. The two-day nine-round Rapid Rating Open tournament was organized by Someshwar Foundation and Master Chess Academy at Sunny’s World in Pune, Maharashtra on 1st and 2nd August 2026. The time control of the tournament was 25 minutes + 10 seconds increment.
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