AGENCIES, AHMEDABAD: Goa’s Ameya Audi (2287 rating) displayed brilliant skills and calculations in outplaying Rajarshi Dutta in the Round 5 of the 55th National Challengers Chess Championship to slowly clim to table, held at Ahmedabad, Gujarat, on Wednesday.

Following his early slump, the Goan lad put up a strong fight to register his third win in the contest. Ameya now climbs to 43rd position with 3.5 points out of possible 5.

Following a dismal performance, the Goan lads showed determination as Sairaj Dilip Vernekar and Devesh Anand Naik also joined the party securing wins in their respective encounters.

Sairaj Dilip Vernekar after upsetting Aaradhya Jain in round 4 went on to register his second win defeating Azmat Gowher Khan. Sairaj now stands with 2 points along with Devesh, who defeated Romit Verma in the round five.

Despite starting brightly, Niraj Saripalli couldn’t maintain the momento as he was stunned by Jubin Jibby. The round two joint leader is now lurking mid table with 2.5 points.

Himanshu Sharma and Swapnil S Dhopade are in joint lead with five points each.

The tournament is organised by Gujarat State Chess Association under the auspices of All India Chess Federation.