Sharan Rao triumphs at Big Rook Chinese New Year Open 2025
05/02/2025 - IM Sharan Rao scored an unbeaten 6/7 to win Big Rook Chinese New Year Open 2025. He finished a half point ahead of the competition. 13-year-old Rumi Arjuna Malique Cairel Adrin (MAS) scored 5.5/7 to secure second place. Bei Er (CHN) and FM Poompong Wiwatanadate (THA) scored 5/7 each. They were placed third and fourth respectively according to tie-breaks. The total prize fund was THB 30000 (≈ ₹77643) + trophies, medals and certificates. The top three prizes were THB 5000 + trophy, 3000 and 2400 each. Louie Salvador (PHI) won the Blitz Rating Open scoring 8/9. FM Jony Habla (PHI) finished second 7.5/9. Sharan secured third place 7/9. The top three prizes in Blitz were THB 1400 + trophy, 1000 and 700 each. This was Sharan's second overall, first rating tournament triumph of the year. Photo: Big Rook Chess Academy, Bangkok