Md. Imran dominates 22nd BRDCA Rapid Rating Open 2026

IM Md. Imran scored an unbeaten 8.5/9 to win 22nd BRDCA Rapid Rating Open 2026. Imran finished a half point ahead of the rest. Siddhanth Poonja, FM Aarav Sarbalia, Manigandan S S and Indrajit Majumdar scored 8/9 each. They were placed second to fifth respectively. The total prize fund was ₹250000. The top three prizes were ₹25000, ₹20000 and ₹15000 along with a trophy each.

Imran’s first tournament triumph of the year

The top seed of the tournament, IM Md. Imran made a perfect start by winning eight games in-a-row. Siddhanth Poonja was the only player trailing by a half point at 7.5/8. Imran drew against Siddhanth as it was enough for him to become a clear champion, Siddhanth secured second place. Adarsh D lost to FM Aarav Sarbalia who finished third.

Champion – IM Md. Imran 8.5/9 | Photo: Bangalore Rural District Chess Association

Runner-up – Siddhanth Poonja 8/9 | Photo: Bangalore Rural District Chess Association

Second Runner-up – FM Aarav Sarbalia 8/9 | Photo: Bangalore Rural District Chess Association

Top 3 (L to R): 3rd FM Aarav Sarbalia 8/9, 1st IM Md. Imran 8.5/9 and 2nd Siddhanth Poonja 8/9 | Photo: Bangalore Rural District Chess Association

Md. Imran scored 8.5/9, finished a half point ahead of the rest and gained 20.4 Elo rating points

Players in action | Photo: Bangalore Rural District Chess Association

The tournament hall at Sri Manjunatha Swamy Kalyanamantapa, Hoskote in Bengaluru, Karnataka | Photo: Foundation Chess Academy

A total of 459 players including four IMs took part from all over the country, one from Maldives and two from Nepal. The one-day nine-round Rapid Rating Open tournament was organized by Bangalore Rural District Chess Association at Sri Manjunatha Swamy Kalyanamantapa, Hoskote in Bengaluru, Karnataka on 4th January 2026. The time control of the tournament was 15 minutes + 5 seconds increment.

Final standings

Details