MARGAO: Fide Master Nitish Belurkar won late Smt Kanchani Prabhudesai Memorial 2nd All-Goa Open Fide Rapid Rating Chess Tournament, organised by Banavli Chess Club and Unique Chess Academy Curchorem, at Damodar Vidhya Bhuvan, Comba, Margao held recently.
The Geno Pharmaceuticals Brand Ambassador, Nitish, remained unbeaten in the nine rounds and claimed 8.5 points to pocket Rs 10,000 and rolling trophy sponsored by Vallabh Dessai in the memory of his late mother Kanchani Prabhudesai. Nitish drew against Niraj Saripalli in the seventh round. In the last round he outplayed Gunjal Chopdekar to win the title.
The tournament, which is recognised by Goa Chess Association and All India Chess Federation, was played as per the Swiss League system.
On the second board top seed of the tournament Ameya Audi defeated Aryan Raikar to finish second with eight points while Niraj Saripalli beat Madhavan G and finished third with 7.5 points.
Top 20 players were awarded cash prizes and trophies.
The prizes were given by chief guest AICF Treasurer and GCA Secretary Kishor Bandekar in the presence of President Banavli Chess Club Vallabh Desai, Chief Arbiter Ashesh Keni, Convenor Sanjay Kavlekar, Secretary Banavli Chess Club Vijaykumar Tari, Damodar Zambaulikar Secretary STCA, Vice President Banvli Chess Club Swapnil Hoble, Arbiter Gautam Tari.
Earlier, Vallabh Dessai welcomed the gathering while Sanjay Kavlekar proposed the vote of thanks. Sharendra Naik compared the programme.
