TEAM HERALD
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PANJIM: Niraj Saripalli, Rohan Ahuja, Ritviz Parab, Snehil Shetty share the lead with 4.5 points each at the end of the 5th round of State Chess Selection Tournament at MPT Officers Club, Headland Sada, Vasco.
Second seed Niraj Saripalli (1923), bounced back into the lead winning against Shane Braganza (1550). On the top board Rohan Ahuja (1907) was held to a draw by Ritviz Parab (1832).
In a major upset, fifth seed Rishubh Naik (1821) was stunned by 18th seed Snehil Shetty (1536) on the 3rd board.
Suhas Asnodkar (2020), Rohit Kadam, Anil Ahuja and Anirudh Bhat are on the second spot with 4 points each.
Earlier, in the 4th round, Rohan Ahuja beat Ameya Audi in an intense battle in which Ameya blundered in time pressure. On the second board, Ritviz Parab (1832) defeated Saeesh Bandodkar (1573) while Shane Braganza held fifth seed Rishubh Naik (1821).
Rohit Kadam got the better of 20th seed Bhimappa Harijan (1460).
In the women’s section, Nandhini Saripalli, Gauri Hadkonkar, Deepika Giridhar are leading with 3 points each. Sukanya Chari, Sonali Kerkar, Deepika Giridhar, Sayani Kerkar, Aditee Prabhugaonkar, Vandana Bandodkar, Disha Verekar, Swera Braganza, Aishwarya Thorat, Urvi Bandekar trail the leaders with 2 points each.
Earlier, Prema Kumar, president MPT Sports Council and Negi, secretary of MPT Officers Club inaugurated the tournament. The top ten will be selected to participate in the National team chess championship to be held at Gaspar Dias Club, Mira Mar from February 27. The tourney has attracted 97 entries including 31 rated players.
The 6th and 7th round in the open section and the 4th and 5th round in the women’s section will be played tomorrow from 1.30 p.m. Prize distribution function will be at 5.45 p.m.
