PANAJI
Anand’s Mind Masters emerged champions of the 5th Curti Team Chess Championship, organised by Ajinkya Chess Academy in association with the Ponda Taluka Chess Association, at the Shree Krishna Temple Hall, Kelbai, Curti.
The winning team put up a flawless performance, winning all five matches to finish with 10 match points. The team was led by captain Anand Kurtikar and included Nirbhay Gaude, Shubham Gaude and Shradha Gaude. They were awarded medals, a cash prize and the Late Satyawati Anta Gaude Memorial Rolling Trophy, sponsored by Krishna Anta Gaude in memory of his mother.
Four Knight Warriors claimed the runner-up position with 7 match points and 13 game points. The team comprised captain Chetan Kurtikar, Tansh Gaude, Reyansh Kurtikar and Aarush Naik.
Legendary Warriors finished third with 7 match points and 12 game points, represented by captain Pratish Gaude, Nishesh Gaude, Chinmay Gaude and Aryan Jojo.
The board prize winners were: Board 1: Kaushal Naik (The End Game Masters); Board 2: Vrajesh Natekar (Pivotal Pawns); Board 3: Shubham Gaude (Anand’s Mind Masters); Board 4: Aarush Naik (Four Knight Warriors)
Sagar Sakordekar, President of the Ponda Taluka Chess Association, was the chief guest, while other dignitaries included Prashant Mainekar, President of Satarkar Mahasangh“Goa, and Lala Satarkar, President of Laxmi Narayan Sports and Cultural Club. Sudhakar Patgar served as the arbiter.
Addressing the gathering, the guests encouraged the young players and appreciated the organisers for successfully conducting the championship for the fifth time. The programme was compered by Anand Kurtikar, with the tournament report and prize list presented by Sudhakar Patgar, and the vote of thanks proposed by Vrajesh Natekar.
A total of 13 teams participated in the championship, with all winning teams and board prize winners receiving medals and cash awards.
