Rahul Sangma prevails at Late Shri Vasudev V Dempo Memorial Rating Open 2026

IM Rahul Sangma scored an unbeaten 8/9 to win Late Shri Vasudev V Dempo Memorial Rating Open 2026. He finished a half point ahead of the rest. GM Saptarshi RoyChowdhury scored sole 7.5/9 to secure second place. IM P Saravana Krishnan edged six other players on tie-breaks to finish third scoring 7/9. The total prize fund was ₹390000. The top three prizes in Rapid were ₹55000, ₹39000 and ₹29000 along with a trophy each.

Rahul’s first tournament triumph of the year

IM Rahul Sangma was the sole leader 7/8, heading into the last round. Seven players – IM P Saravana Krishnan, GM Saptarshi RoyChowdhury, Santu Mondal, FM Sauravh Khherdekar, Shreyas Ghadi, Arav Vinod and Aarush Bhat were trailing by a half point at 6.5/8 each. Rahul defeated Santu to become a clear champion. Shreyas lost to Saptarshi and the latter finished second. Arav drew against Saravana who claimed third place.

Champion – IM Rahul Sangma 8/9 | Photo: IA Arvind Mhamal / Tiswadi Taluka Chess Association

Runner-up – GM Saptarshi RoyChowdhury 7.5/9 | Photo: IA Arvind Mhamal / Tiswadi Taluka Chess Association

Second Runner-up – IM P Saravana Krishnan 7/9 | Photo: IA Arvind Mhamal / Tiswadi Taluka Chess Association

Top 3 (L to R): 3rd IM P Saravana Krishnan 7/9, 1st IM Rahul Sangma 8/9 and 2nd GM Saptarshi RoyChowdhury 7.5/9 | Photo: IA Arvind Mhamal / Tiswadi Taluka Chess Association

IM Rahul Sangma scored an unbeaten 8/9, finished a half point ahead of the rest and gained 12 Elo rating points

Group photograph of various prize winners | Photo: IA Arvind Mhamal / Tiswadi Taluka Chess Association

A total of 180 players including a GM and two IMs took part from all over the country. The six-day nine-round Rating Open tournament was organized by Tiswadi Taluka Chess Association at Institute Menezes Braganza Hall in Panaji, Goa from 27th January to 1st February 2026. The time control of the tournament was 90 minutes + 30 seconds increment.

Final standings

Details