In a thrilling culmination at the chess tournament jointly organized by Latadevi Anil Lohia Sports Academy and Checkmate Sports in Kolhapur, Arin Kulkarni emerged triumphant, securing the title. Shantanu Patil showcased exceptional skills, claiming the runner-up spot in the competition.
The tournament, inaugurated by tournament director Hemant Khanwilkar and attended by esteemed players Dadasaheb Gurav, Anushka Patil, and Suryakant Chodankar, witnessed the participation of 78 players, including 13 internationally ranked contestants.
Arin Kulkarni’s path to victory included a decisive seventh-round triumph over Narayan Patil, accumulating six points in total. Shantanu Patil, securing his runner-up position, defeated Manish Todkar to also achieve six points. Pranav More claimed the third spot with a victory over Ravi Ambekar.
In other notable performances, Manas Mahadeshwar clinched the top position in the under-15 category, while Sanskar Katkar secured the second rank. Anshuman Shevde and Avni Jitkar excelled in the Under-12 category, taking the first and second positions, respectively.
Srishti Joshirao dominated the women’s category, securing the first rank, followed by Vedika Madane in second place and Vriddhi Gaikwad in third.
The prize distribution ceremony, attended by Shantala Shevde, Director Hemant Khanwilkar, Krishnat Patil, and Suryakant Chodankar, acknowledged the achievements of the winners. Notably, Umesh Kamble and Sarika Chodankar claimed the top positions in the Best Checkmate category.
While Arin Kulkarni’s victory is commendable, debates might arise on the tournament’s competitiveness, considering the absence of details regarding the international rankings of participating players.
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