PANJIM: Goa Carbon Brand Ambassador WGM Bhakti Kulkarni(2305) of Salcete Taluka clinched the BPS all-Goa Open Rapid Rating Championship 2018 by remaining unbeaten with 9 points from 9 rounds to lift the prestigious title.
In the last round, she beat Om Barde of Bardez Taluka who stood 12th.
Anirudh Bhat (7.5 pts) of Salcete Taluka stood second after he drew with AIM Cruz Wilson (7.5 pts) of Ponda Taluka who stood third. Ayush Shirodkar finished fourth with 7.5 points after beating Paarth P Salvi on the black side. Purushottam Kantak beat Vivaan Ballikar to finish fifth in the main list with 7 points.
A total of 184 players participated in the championship out of which 67 were FIDE rated players. The tournament was conducted by BPS Sports Club along with Salcete Taluka Chess Association and the prizes were sponsored by Prakash Corrugated Products, Verna.
A bounty of prizes were given to the winners including cash prizes of Rs. 50,000 and the top 20 were given cash prizes and trophies and the age group category trophies. Certificates were awarded to all the players.
Vice-chairperson of Margao Municipal Council Florence Tito was the chief guest and gave away the prizes along with Rakesh Agrawal, MD of Prakash Corrugated Products, Ashesh Keni, Vice-president, GCA and other dignitaries.
