Sachin Gaude emerged the champion at the 3rd Ponda Taluka Level Open Rapid Chess Tournament organised by Serials Chess Club in association with the Ponda Taluka Chess Association, at Ponda on Sunday (July 5).
The tournament drew an impressive 144 entries from players from Ponda Taluka, reflecting the growing popularity of chess in the region.
A total of eight rounds were played under the Swiss League format. At the end of the tournament, four players finished with seven points from eight rounds, with Sachin Gaude emerging the topper on the basis of superior tie-break scores. Sidhiraj Gaunkar secured the runner-up position, while Sarthak G. Naik finished third.
The players finishing from fourth to 12th place respectively were Riddhi Sanjay Gaude, Aarya Amey Kamat Helekar, Avaneeshwar Guin, Nirbhay Gaude, Nagesh Nayak, Sagar Pednekar, Gaurish P. Naik, Anvay Borkar and Swayam Sandesh Naik.
Lakshmana Rao (Proprietor, Rao Associates), Vishwas Naik (Director, Reema Transport), Sandesh Naik (Treasurer, Ponda Taluka Chess Association), Deepesh Priolkar (Secretary, Serials Chess Club), Amey Kamat Helekar (Tournament Director), Vibha Borkar (Joint Secretary, Serials Chess Club) and Vithal Manerikar (Joint Treasurer, Serials Chess Club), presented the prizes to the winners.
The tournament was conducted efficiently by FA Anushka Naik and FA Anish Naik, who officiated as the arbiters.
