R Praggnanandhaa leads the St. Louis Rapid and Blitz tournament after the rapid phase. Both outlets report that the competition’s rapid segment consists of nine rounds and that Praggnanandhaa performs strongly across the event. NDTV states he finishes the rapid phase with 12 points out of 18, placing him at the top and keeping his chances alive for qualification to the Grand Chess Tour (GCT) finals later this year. The Hindu adds that during the rapid rounds he shows precise technique and a determined approach, suggesting consistent play throughout the rapid section. The sources also frame the rapid standings as a key step before the blitz portion of the tournament, which is scheduled to follow the rapid stage. While The Hindu notes a context about Praggnanandhaa being no longer part of the 2026 World Championship cycle, both accounts focus on his current performance at St. Louis and his lead heading into the blitz rounds.