PANAJI
Chetan Kurtikar emerged champion with a flawless score of six points from six rounds in the Chess Tournament. The event was organised by Ajinkya Chess Academy in association with the Ponda Taluka Chess Association.
A total of 30 players participated in the tournament, which was conducted at the residence of Anand Kurtikar, while the prize distribution function was held at Shri Krishna Devalaya Hall, Curti.
The prizes were distributed in the presence of chief guest Dr. Bhushan Bhave, Principal of Vidya Prabodhini College of Commerce, Education, Computer and Management, Porvorim; Ponda Taluka Chess Association President Sagar Sakordekar; guest of honour Santosh Kerkar, former Managing Director of VPK Urban Multipurpose Co-operative Society; Lala Satarkar; Dr. Santoshi Priolkar; Dr. Sumentha Gaude; and Anand Kurtikar of Ajinkya Chess Academy, who also served as the Chief Arbiter.
Aarush Gaude finished runner-up with five points, while Vedant Priolkar secured third place. Karthik Pankar finished fourth, followed by Dhirav Rathod in fifth place, Tansh Gaude in sixth and Divyesh Priolkar in seventh.
Among the special category award winners, Divesh Kurtikar was adjudged Best Under-9 player, Digvijay Gaude won the Best Under-11 prize, and Gaurav Temyekar received the Best Under-13 award. The Promising Player Award was presented to Yashvin Gaude.
During the prize distribution ceremony, Santosh Kerkar was felicitated with a shawl, coconut and memento in recognition of his retirement and his valuable financial and other contributions towards the development of chess, particularly during Mission Curti.
