PUNE: Goa’s Candidate Master and Geno’s brand ambassador Leon Luke Mendonca put up a strong performance to finish fourth at the recently concluded 31st U-11 National open Chess Championship, organised by All-Marathi Chess Association and conducted by Pune District Chess Association, at Shree Chhatrapati Shivaji Sports Complex, Balewadi Stadium, Pune, recently.
Leon was tied on top spot along with three others Gukesh D, Pranav V and Pranesh M with 9 points at the end of Round 11, before losing out on tie-breaker.
Leon carried his impressive form and went on to beat Shah Marmik, Shinde Rujul, Aditya Bikram Paul, Aditya Varun Gampa, Bhavesh Mahajan, Manish Kumar, Ananmay Sharma, Sreeshwan Maralakshikari. He drew against AIM Pankaj Bhat, CM Gukesh D before losing against CM Dev Shah.
Meanwhile, Reuben Colaco finished 48th with 6.5 while Paarth P Salvi finished 76th with 6 points. Shlok Dhulapkar finished on 4 points.
In the girls category, Alaya Vella D’Cruz broke into top 40 as she clinched 6.5 points at the end of Round 11 and settled for 32nd spot. Netra P Savaikar finished 67th with 5.5 points while Sanvi Naik Gaonkar finished on five points and settled for 86th spot.
