PANJIM: Geno Pharmaceutical brand ambassadors Ameya Audi (2217) won silver at the open Commonwealth Chess Championship 2017 in the U-18 category, held at Leela Ambience Convention Hotel, New Delhi, on Monday.
The young Goan lad finished with a tally of 5.5 points from a possible 7 to clinch the silver after defeating Grahesh Y in the final round.
The Margao lad was unstoppable throughout the tournament and won five matches, drew one and lost one out in the 7-round chess tourney.
The only blemish for Ameya came in the fifth round where he lost to Jayakumar S costing him the chance to grab gold at the prestigious tournament.
“I am very grateful to God and my parents for their support and trust in my efforts. I would also like to thank my sponsors Geno Pharmaceuticals and the GCA, particularly Nilesh Cabral, who has brought lot of development in chess in Goa and also Kishor Bandekar for his encouragement,” said an excited Ameya after clinching the silver.
Ameya believes that the price of success is hardwork, dedication and determination that, whether you win or lose, you have done your very best.
In his previous rounds, Ameya beat Anata Chowdhury, Hemanth Ram, Mckenzie Lionel Joseph, Adithya S and drew with Barath Kalyan.
Goa Chess Association President Nilesh Cabral praised the young lad and said, “Ameya made the State proud once again by winning silver in the open category. He performed exceptionally well throughout the tournament and it’s a great feat for the young lad and the State. The Goa Chess Association would like to congratulate him and his parents on his success. Hope this inspires other players as well.”
GCA secretary Kishor Bandekar congratulating Ameya on his victory said “I am happy that Ameya won the silver for India and Goa. It is a proud moment for all of us as he is the first player in Goa to do this in the open category.”
“Ameya has been a very consistent performer and I’m sure he will achieve a lot of success in the future. I also congratulate his parents for his success as they have been very supportive,” Bandekar added.
Ameya arrived in the State on Tuesday afternoon and was received by GCA Vice President and President of Pednem Taluka Vasant V Naik.
“It’s a proud moment for the state and GCA. Ameya winning silver is an inspiration to the young aspirants from the state,” said GCA vice president Vasant Naik.
In the U-16 category, Fide Master Nitish finished fourth after drawing his final match against Vatsal Singhania , who went on to win the gold.
Nitish finished on five points, same as the bronze medal winner but was placed fourth on tie break. Nitish had earlier won bronze in the U-10 category of the Commonwealth Chess Championship in 2010, before winning silver in the U-12 and U-14 categories in 2012 and 2014 respectively.
The event was organised by the Commonwealth Chess Association under the auspices of All India Chess Federation and Delhi Chess Association.
