Sammed Shete superb at 1st Lions and Leo Club of Belgaum Rapid Rating Open 2026

IM Sammed Jaykumar Shete scored an unbeaten 8/9 to win 1st Lions Club of Belgaum Rapid Rating Open 2026.

Vignesh’s fourth overall, second rating tournament triumph of the year

Seven players – IM Ravi Teja S, IM Anuj Shrivatri, IM Goutham Krishna H, IM Kushagra Mohan, IM Mandar Pradip Lad, IM Ayush Sharma and IM Sammed Jaykumar Shete were the leaders at 7/8 each, going into the last round. Sammed defeated Anuj to become a clear champion. Ayush drew against Goutham and the latter finished second. IM Aakash Sharadchandra Dalvi drew with Ravi who claimed third place.

The total prize fund combining Rapid and Blitz event was ₹725000, ₹600000 for Rapid and ₹100000 fro Blitz. The top three prizes in Rapid were ₹150000, ₹100000 and ₹50000 along with a trophy each.

Champion – IM Sammed Jaykumar Shete 8/9 | Photo: FA DI Aakash Madiwalar/Belgaum District Chess Association

Runner-up – IM Goutham Krishna H 7.5/9 | Photo: FA DI Aakash Madiwalar/Belgaum District Chess Association

Second Runner-up – IM Ravi Teja S 7.5/9

IM Sammed Jaykumar Shete scored an unbeaten 8/9, finished a half point ahead of the rest and increased his Elo rating by 26.4 points

Players in action | Photo: FA DI Aakash Madiwalar/Belgaum District Chess Association

Trophies for the prize winners | Photo: FA DI Aakash Madiwalar/Belgaum District Chess Association

The tournament hall at KPTCL Hall in Belagavi, Karnataka | Photo: FA DI Aakash Madiwalar/Belgaum District Chess Association

Thanks to FA DI Aakash Madiwalar, Secretary, Belgaum District Chess Association, for sharing the photographs.

A total of 311 players including two GMs, 15 IMs and a WIM took part from all over the country. The two-day nine-round Rapid Rating Open tournament was organized by Lion’s Club of Belgaum and Leo Club of Belgaum at KPTCL Hall in Belagavi, Karnataka on 24th and 25th October 2026. The time control of the tournament was 20 minutes + 5 seconds increment.

Final standings