Odisha International Master Rakesh Kumar Jena emerged champion in the Ekagra All India Open FIDE Rated Chess Tournament, which held at Sri Kotla Vijay Bhaskar Reddy Indoor Stadium, Yousufguda, Hyderabad, Telangana from 13 to 17 July 2022.

Remaining unbeaten in the nine-round tournament, Rakesh won seven games and drew two to finish at the top of the table with eight points. Around 500 players, including two Grand Masters and three International Masters participated in the tournament.

This was the second all-India title within a month for Rakesh, who also emerged victorious in the Summer Cup FIDE Rating Open Chess Tournament, held in Udaipur, Rajasthan from 26 to 29 June 2022.

Rakesh scored an unbeaten 6.5 points out of a possible seven in the Udaipur tournament. He registered six wins and drew one. Rakesh received the top prize of Rs 1.1 lakh along with the trophy.
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PHOTO: Odisha IM Rakesh Kumar Jena with the winner trophy he won in Hyderabad on 17 July 2020.