Johnson Zoremthara Chhangte convincingly clinches 45th Robula Chess Trophy Rapid Rating Open 2025
14-year-old Johnson Zoremthara Chhangte scored an unbeaten 8/9 to win 45th Robula Chess Trophy Rapid Rating Open 2025. He finished a half point ahead of the competition. The top seed of the tournament, Soram Rahul Singh scored 7.5/9 to secure second place. Three players - Benjamin Lalhmingliana, Iftikar Alom Mazumder and Saingura Sailo scored 7/9 each. They secured third, fourth and fifth place respectively according to tie-breaks. Johnson drew against the eventual runner-up, Soram in the penultimate round and defeated the second runner-up, Benjamin in the fifth round. The total prize fund was ₹106000. The top three prizes were ₹25000, ₹15000 and ₹10000 along with a trophy each. The three-day nine round Rapid Rating Open tournament was organized by Mizoram Chess Association from 14th to 16th August 2025 at Ramhlun Indoor Stadium in Aizawl, Mizoram. This is Johnson's first tournament triumph of his nascent career in his seventh tournament overall. Photo: Lalzarzova Khiangte
Johnson's first tournament victory of his career
14-year-old Johnson Zoremthara Chhangte was the sole leader 7.5/8, heading into the final round. Benjamin Lathmingliana was the sole pursuer at 7/8. Johnson drew against John Zonunthara Sailo to become a clear champion. Soram Rahul Singh defeated Rampanmawia H to secure second place. Benjamin finished third. Johnson has played only seven tournaments including this. It was the first time he won a tournament at this event.
Johnson - Soram, Round 8
Johnson Zorenthara Chhangte (1781) got himself a winning knight endgame when his opponent, the top seed of the tournament, Soram Rahul Singh (1912) blundered 59...a5?? 60.Nd5+ Ka6 61.bxa5 Kxa5 62.Nxf4 Nh4 63.Nd5 White misplayed a bit and allowed his opponent to escape with a draw. Nevertheless, it shows that the 14-year-old Johnson is budding talent who gave a tough competition to his strong seasoned opposition.
A total of 79 players took part from all over the country. The three-day nine round Rapid Rating Open tournament was organized by Mizoram Chess Association from 14th to 16th August 2025 at Ramhlun Indoor Stadium in Aizawl, Mizoram. The time control of the event was 30 minutes + 10 seconds increment per move.
Replay all available games
Final standings
| Rk. | SNo | Name | Typ | sex | FED | RtgI | Club/City | Pts. | TB1 | TB2 | TB3 | TB4 | TB5 | TB6 | K | rtg+/- | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 13 | Johnson Zoremthara Chhangte | U15 | IND | 1781 | MZ | 8 | 50 | 53 | 46 | 0 | 7 | 4 | 40 | 112,8 | |||
| 2 | 1 | Singh Soram Rahul | IND | 1912 | AS | 7,5 | 51 | 55 | 44 | 0 | 7 | 4 | 20 | 14,6 | ||||
| 3 | 7 | Benjamin Lalhmingliana | IND | 1815 | MZ | 7 | 50,5 | 53 | 38 | 0 | 7 | 5 | 40 | 64 | ||||
| 4 | 2 | Iftikar Alom Mazumdar | IND | 1898 | AS | 7 | 50 | 54 | 39 | 0 | 7 | 3 | 20 | 9,8 | ||||
| 5 | 8 | Saingura Sailo | IND | 1814 | MZ | 7 | 46 | 49 | 34,5 | 0 | 7 | 3 | 40 | 48,8 | ||||
| 6 | 5 | John Zonunthara Sailo | IND | 1824 | MZ | 6,5 | 46,5 | 50,5 | 33,5 | 0 | 6 | 4 | 40 | 22,8 | ||||
| 7 | 4 | Lalnunsanga | IND | 1850 | MZ | 6,5 | 40 | 43,5 | 31,8 | 0 | 6 | 2 | 20 | -6,2 | ||||
| 8 | 3 | Rajdeep Das | IND | 1875 | AS | 6 | 49 | 53 | 32,5 | 0 | 5 | 2 | 20 | -9,8 | ||||
| 9 | 73 | Saichampuia K | IND | 0 | MZ | 6 | 48 | 53 | 33 | 0 | 5 | 4 | ||||||
| 10 | 21 | Lalmalsawma B | IND | 1714 | MZ | 6 | 47,5 | 51,5 | 32,5 | 0 | 6 | 3 | 40 | 24,8 |
|
Sriram Jha superb at 12th David's Memorial Rating Open 2024 with a 100% score
@ 15/11/2024 by Shahid Ahmed (en) |
|
Ashutosh Kumar triumphs at Chess for Everyone Rating Open 2024 in Mizoram
@ 28/03/2024 by Shahid Ahmed (en) |