Patil clinches chess title

 

 

PRIYANSHU Patil emerged champion of the Open Rapid Chess Tournament held at Maharishi Sabhagruha, Dr Hedgewar Smarak Samiti, Reshimbagh, the other day. The tournament was organised by Jai Sai Welfare Foundation. Patil and Roneet Das finished with 7.5 points in the eight-round competition. However, Patil pipped Das on better tie-break points to claim the title. Das finished second while Maras was declared third. In the last and eighth round, Priyanshu Patil defeated Arnav Kherdekar on the second board. On the top board, Das got the better of Kishan Ahuja with black pieces. In all 216 players including 66 ELO rated players of various ages participated. Total eight rounds were played. A total cash prizes of Rs 21,000 were distributed among top 14 players including best female and best veteran players of the tournament.

 

The opening ceremony was done by Sudhakar Kohle, former South Nagpur MLA. The prizes were distributed by Abhay Agnihotri, Secretary, Dr Hedgewar Smarak Samiti. Other Dignitaries present on occasion were Vikas Telang, Management Committee member, Dr Hedgewar Smarak Samiti, Sushant Jumde, Secretary, Jai Sai Welfare Foundation, Pravin Pantawane and others. FA Amit Tembhurne Chief Arbiter and assistant to SNA Shrikant Bagde, SNA Manthan Shende and SNA Sham Agrawal were also present. TOP TEN: 1. Priyanshu Patil (7.5), 2. Das Roneet (7.5), 3. Sahejveer Singh Maras (7), 4. Kishan Ahuja (6.5), 5. Suhan Deshpande (6.5), 6. Vishwaditya Awasthi (6.5), 7. Shaunak Badole (6.5), 8. Jay Sawalakhe (6.5), 9. Nitish Rathi (6.5), 10. Arnav Kherdekar (6).