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Praggnanandhaa Tops Elite Field To Claim Rapid & Blitz Title In Saint Louis
Saint Louis Chess Club: India Grandmaster (GM) Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa won his first Rapid & Blitz title at the 2026 Saint Louis Rapid & Blitz, the first U.S. leg of the Grand Chess Tour (GCT).
The Indian GM built his victory by topping the rapid section with 12 out of a possible 18 points before sealing the overall title in the blitz, winning $50,000. His rapid performance also lifted him into the live top 10 of the world rapid rankings for the first time in his career.
"I was just trying to stay calm and play. I wanted to win the Rapid and Blitz separately, which I think I managed, so that's good," Praggnanandhaa said after his victory. "Last year, the Rapid & Blitz put me in a situation where I had to perform in the Sinquefield Cup, but this time the Rapid & Blitz has helped me go into the 2026 Sinquefield Cup with a good score, so I'm happy that I managed to improve in that area."
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