In a gripping display of strategic prowess and tactical finesse, Samed Shete emerged victorious at the 19th Shri Maheshwaranand Saraswati Memorial All India Open FIDE Rating Chess Tournament. The tournament, organized by Buddhibal Kreeda Trust, unfolded at Ganesh Sabhagruha, Karve Road, Pune, showcasing intense battles on the chessboard.
Samed Shete clinched the championship title after a hard-fought victory against Rucha Pujari in the eighth round, solidifying his position as a formidable force in the chess arena. The tournament, a testament to skill and determination, attracted participants from diverse backgrounds, each vying for the coveted title.
In the last round, RR Laxman secured the second position with a decisive win over VS Raahul, demonstrating exceptional strategic acumen. The top performers were duly honored during the award ceremony, where Samed Shete received the champion’s trophy and a prize of Rs 60,000, while RR Laxman, the runner-up, was presented with a trophy and Rs. 30,000.
The awards were presented by Mr. Ashish Desai of Sujnil Cemo, Dhyanchand Awardee GM Abhit Kunte, IWM Mrunalini Kunte Aurangabadkar, Shri Hrnish Raja, Prakash Kunte, and IA Rajendra Shidore (Chief Arbiter) who graced the occasion with their presence.
Notably, the National Under-9 Chess Champion 2023, Advaik Agrawal, received felicitation from Buddhibal Kreeda Trust, adding a touch of recognition to the event.
Results of the 9th Round: White and Black Pieces
- Sammed Shete (8pts) bt Rucha Pujari (7pts)
- Laxman, R.R. (8pts) bt Raahul, V S (7pts)
- Kulkarni, Vikramaditya (8pts) bt Mohammad Shaikh (6.5pts)
- Kushagra, Mohan (7.5pts) bt Ritvik Krishnan (6.5pts)
- Suyog Wagh (7.5pts) bt Om Gada (6.5pts)
- Vedant Nagarkatte (6.5pts) lost to Nikhil Dixit (7.5pts)
- Kashish Jain (7pts) drew with Akshay Borgaonkar (7pts)
- Padmini, Rout (7pts) bt Mihir Sarvade (6pts)
- Aanjaneya Phatak (6pts) lost to Ram Parab (7pts)
- Avadhoot Brahme (6pts) lost to Viresh Sharnarthi (7pts)
- Aarav Iyer (6.5pts) drew with Mihir Shah (6.5pts)
- Anushka Kutwal (6pts) lost to Nameet Chavan (7pts)
- Prathamesh Sherla (6.5pts) drew with Ashish Chaudhari (6.5pts)
- Hitansh Jain (6pts) lost to Om Lamkane (7pts)
- Vihaan Dawda (7pts) bt Nishant Jawalkar (6pts)
- Subhash Naidu (5.5pts) lost to Abhishek Kelkar (6.5pts)
- Siddhant Salunke (5.5pts) lost to Harshal Patil (6.5pts)
- Jeet Shah (6.5pts) bt Amey Chowdhury (5.5pts)
- Shaashvat Gupta (6pts) drew with Sourabh Mhamane (6pts)
- Heramb Ingale (6.5pts) bt Dhanashree Khairmode (5.5pts)
