PANAJI
International Master (IM) Audi Ameya delivered an exceptional performance to claim joint first place at the Shatranj All India FIDE Rapid Rating Chess Tournament 2024, held in Belgaum, Karnataka, from December 28 to 29. Organized by the Rotary Club of Belgaum South Foundation, the event featured a competitive field of 301 participants, including nine titled players from across India.
Ameya scored an impressive 8 points out of 9 rounds, sharing first place with FM Wagh Suyog (Maharashtra) and Srikara Darbha (Karnataka). However, after tiebreak calculations, Ameya was placed third, while Wagh and Darbha secured first and second positions, respectively.
A highlight of the tournament was Ameya's crucial victory over IM Ramnath Balasubramaniam (Tamil Nadu) in the penultimate round, which showcased his tactical brilliance and competitive spirit.
The tournament was a platform for top-tier chess, further solidifying Ameya's standing as a formidable force in the Indian chess circuit.
Other notable performances included IM Ritviz Parab and Mandar Lad, who finished fourth and sixth with 7.5 points each.
Goa’s players also impressed, with Rishikesh Parab securing 12th place with 7 points, while Shriya Patil and Vibhav Kerkar finished in 24th and 25th places with 6 points each.
The best performers in various categories from Goa included:
Under 16: Shirodker Davendra Damu, 5th place with 5 points; Pavanaj Mahantesh Lingsugur, 10th place with 4.5 points.
Under 14: Kshitij Naik Gaonkar, 9th place with 5.5 points.
Under 12: Rajveer Patil, 1st place with 6.5 points; Nayak Nagesh, 5th place with 5.5 points.
Under 10: Shaurya N Prabhu Agrasani, 8th place with 5 points.
Under 8: Snithik Sinari, 5th place with 5 points.
