Pranav K P dominates AIM Rapid Rating Open 2026

Pranav K P scored an unbeaten 8.5/9 to win AIM Rapid Rating Open 2026. He finished a half point ahead of the rest. Sham R and CM Sarveshwaran V scored 8/9 each. They secured second and third place respectively according to tie-breaks. The total prize fund was ₹240000 + cups. The top three prizes were ₹25000, ₹18000 and ₹13000 along with a trophy each.

Pranav’s first rating tournament triumph of the year

FM Pranav K P made a fantastic start by winning eight games in-a-row. He had a full point lead heading into the final round. Sham R, IM Sai Agni Jeevitesh J, Gokul Krishna S and CM Sarveshwaran V were trailing at 7/8 each. Pranav needed just a draw to become a clear champion and that’s what he did against Gokul to win the tournament. Sai lost to Sham and the latter finished second. Sarveshwaran defeated Manigandan S S to claim third place. Pranav defeated two IMs – Sai Agni Jeevitesh J and Manish Anto Cristiano F in consecutive rounds – seven and eight.

Champion – FM Pranav K P 8.5/9 | Photo: IA NI R Sivaramakrishnan

Runner-up – Sham R 8/9 | Photo: IA NI R Sivaramakrishnan

Second Runner-up – CM Sarveshwaran V 8/9 | Photo: IA NI R Sivaramakrishnan

FM Pranav K P en route his win against IM Sai Agni Jeevitesh J in Round 7 | Photo: IA NI R Sivaramakrishnan

FM Pranav K P scored an unbeaten 8.5/9, finished a half point ahead of the rest and gained 55.1 Elo rating points

Arbiters team | Photo: IA NI R Sivaramakrishnan

Group photo of various prize winners | Photo: IA NI R Sivaramakrishnan

Trophies for the prize winners | Photo: IA NI R Sivaramakrishnan

The tournament hall at The Navodaya Academy in Namakkal, Tamil Nadu | Photo: IA NI R Sivaramakrishnan

A total of 275 players including a GM and three IMs took part from various parts of the country. The one-day nine-round Rapid Rating Open tournament was organized by Aim Chess Academy and Nathan Chess Academy at The Navodaya Academy Senior Secondary School in Namakkal, Tamil Nadu on 8th February 2026. The time control of the tournament was 10 minutes + 5 seconds increment.

Final standings

Details