Grandmaster Anurag Mhamal went down to GM Ziatdinov Raset in the first round of Manohar Parrikar Goa International Open Grandmaster Chess Tournament, which got underway today at Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Indoor Stadium, Taleigao.
Among other Goans in the fray – IM Ameya Audi won against Ayaan Garg, IM Ethan Vaz beat Eshan Wadhawan, Ritviz Parab prevailed over Niran Bhamidi; and are among a total of 77 players with one point to their name at the end of first round.
Meanwhile, Goa’s Chaitanya Goankar lost to Naitik Mehta.
The grand chess event, running from January 11 to 19, has drawn participants from across the globe, featuring a total prize pool of Rs. 53 lakhs.
The championship was declared open by Sports Minister Govind Gaude. Marking the ceremonial beginning of the event, he played symbolic opening chess moves against Grandmaster Diptayan Ghosh, the highest-rated player in the tournament. The inaugural function witnessed the presence of prominent office-bearers of the Goa Chess Association, including Mahesh Candolkar, President, Ashesh Keni, Secretary, Vishwas Pilankar, Treasurer, and Arvind Mhamal, Vice-President, among other dignitaries.
