RAJJAN Sharma and Siddhant Gawai, who recorded wins on top boards in the third round, led a host of players with full three points into fourth round of the Nagpur District Diamond (75th) Jubilee Weekend Open Rapid Chess Tournament at Naivedhyam Eastoria, Kalamna on Saturday. The two-day is organised by Nagpur District Chess Association, Nagpur. Playing with white pieces, Rajjan defeated Rishikesh Gaikwad while with dark coloured material, Siddhant got the better of Arun Kumar. As many as 168 players are participating in the tournament. Total nine rounds will be played of which three rounds were played on Saturday.

 

Remaining rounds will be played on Sunday. The tournament was inaugurated at the hands of Dilip Kamdar, President NDCA. Other guests present were Shreyans Kamdar, Vice-President NDCA; KK Barat, Secretary NDCA; SN Parkhi, Treasurer NDCA and Pravin Pantawane, Chief Arbiter. In his brief address, Dilip Kamdar inspired the players and their parents. As this is the 75th weekend tournament, NDCA decided to give cash prizes to the tune of Rs 75,000 to the first 25 winners and also mementoes in the age category of Under 7, 9, 11, 13 and 15 to five boys and girls winners in each group.

 

Top Ten Results (Round 3): Sharma Rajjan (3) bt Gaikwad Rishikesh (2), Arun Kumar G (2) lost to Gawai Siddhant (3), Dishank Sachin Bajaj (3) bt Wasnik Umesh (2), Bhange Sanjay (2) lost to Pujjam Bansod (3), Saurabh Lokhande (3) bt Ishwar Ramteke (2), Badole Shaunak (3) Rajurkar Shantanu (2), Ramteke Sumedh (3) bt Pappu Kumar Singh (2), Rathi Nitish (2½) drew with Dalal Aashi (2½), Sudame Kunal R (3) bt Mradul Yadav (2), Aditya Narendra Ukey (3) bt Vritika Krushna Game (2).