Nagpur, September 7: Unheralded Mayank Ranade pocketed his maiden title in the 12th online Nagpur District Blitz Chess tournament, organised by the Nagpur District Chess Association (NDCA) here on Monday.
There was a four-way tie for the title but Mayank was declared the champion. Mayank, consistent performer Sumedh Ramteke, Suhan Deshpande and Ameya Godbole had their moments at the top in every passing round. In the nine-round event, all the four leaders suffered a defeat each.
On his way to the title, Mayank registered victories over Aparneeta Jagtap, Sunil Parkar, top seed Jay Sawalakhe, Sadanand Mahajan, Nilay Kulkarni, Sumedh Ramteke and Ameya Godbole. He suffered a fourth round defeat to Suhan and was forced by young Raunak Godbole to sign a peace treaty. While Mayank spoiled Ameya’s party by posting a 53-move victory in the final round, he had a tie at 7.5 points with Sumedh for the title.
Both Suhan and Ameya remained tied at seven points each. However, Mayank had a better progressive score of 42 to 35.5 to clinch the meet. While Ameya outwitted third-placed Suhan in the seventh round as the latter recorded a victory over top-finisher Mayank and halted the winning run of  silver-medalist Sumedh. All the four unseeded players gave the arbiters tough time to keep check over the proceedings.
Final standings: 1. Mayank Ranade (7.5 points), 2, Sumedh Ramteke (7.5 points), 3. Suhan Deshpande (7 points), 4. Amey Godbole (7 points), 5. Arush Chitre (6.5 points), 6. Rounak Godbole (6 points), 7. Nilay Kulkarni (6 points), 8. Savinay Meshram (6 points), 9. Rushikesh Lohit (6 points), 10. Aravn (5.5 points).
Courtesy: orangecitysports.com
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