PANAJI
The Unity Clubs 2nd Open Rapid Chess Tournament 2024 concluded on Sunday, with Mandar Pradip Lad emerging as the champion.
Competing in the final round at the Government College of Commerce and Economics, Lad (2028) secured his title by defeating Joshua Mark Telles (1727) on the top board, finishing with an impressive 7.5 points and earning a cash prize of Rs 6,000 along with a trophy.
Devesh Anand Naik (1863) claimed the second position after outmanoeuvring Anish Naik (1700) on the second board, also finishing with 7.5 points but losing on tiebreak. He was awarded Rs 5,000 and a trophy. Chaitanya Gaonkar (1748) took third place with 7 points, winning his match against Aryan Shamrao Raikar (1721) and receiving Rs 4,000 and a trophy.
Kambli Datta (1754) secured fourth place with 6.5 points after defeating Rishit Gawas (1531), earning Rs 2,000 and a trophy. Siddhiraj Gaunkar (1526) finished fifth with the same score after defeating Arthav Shirodker (1610), and received Rs 1,500 and a trophy. Joshua Mark Telles rounded out the top six with 6 points, winning Rs 1,250 and a trophy.
The tournament, held on October 26 and 27, attracted 174 players from across the State. IA Ashesh Keni served as the Chief Arbiter for the event.
