IN A must-win final round top board match Mradul Yadav got the better of Sanskar Gaigore to emerge champion in the Nagpur District 53rd Weekend Rapid Chess Tournament that was conducted by Nagpur District Chess Association in a joint venture with Dhanwate National College at Ramjiwan Chaudhari Krida Sankul, Near Ram Cooler Square, Nagpur on Sunday.

With six and a half points each in their kitties, both Mradul and Sanskar needed a win to be in contention for title but the former with white pieces reigned supreme. Jay Sawalakhe and Krupal Wanjari were the other two payers who started the final round with six and a half points but both of them lost their matches.

Playing black, Jay went down to Priyanshu Patil on the second d board while Krupal was outsmarted by Arush Chitre on the third board.

The prizes were distributed at the hands of Ishawar Pawar, Incharge, Ramjiwan Chaudhari Krida Sankul (NMC), Sheetal Panbude and Chief Arbiter Pravin Pantawane were present on the dais.

Results (Round 9) Mradul Yadav (7½) bt Gaigore Sanskar (6½), Patil Priyanshu (7) bt Sawalakhe Jay (6½), Wanjari Krupal (6½) lost to Chitre Arush (7), Chetan Deodhagle (6) drew with Vishwaditya Awasthi (6), Ramteke Sumedh (6) drew with Sharma Sai (6), Badole Shaunak (6½) bt Wahane Kunal (5½), Ahuja Kishan (6) bt Ramteke Pramod (5), Chirag Lahoti (6) bt Amol Ramteke (5), Shatakshi Awasthi (6) bt Dutta Kanishq (5), Ramteke Ayush (6) bt Ughade Om (5).