Despite draw in last round, Shubham claims rapid chess crown

NAGPUR: Despite being held to a draw by veteran VK Srivastava in the seventh and final round, Shubham Lakudkar reigned supreme in the 30th Nagpur District Rapid Chess tournament, organized by the Nagpur District Chess Association (NDCA) which concluded at the Dhanwate National College Sports Complex here on Monday.
Shubham remained unbeaten throughout the tourney and returned with maximum 6 points.Srivastava and Ayush Jugele ended up with 5.5 points each to their credit but on the basis of better progressive scores former clinched the runner-up spot. Ayush had to be satisfied with the third position, while another veteran T Chandran finished fourth. The fifth spot was grabbed Pujjam Bansod (5, 24.5) He was folllowed by Nilesh Wasnik (5, 24.5), Abhishek Ekre (5, 22), Dilip Chepte (5, 23.5), Rutwik Palaskar (5, 19.5) and Atharva Bhajne (4.5, 23.5).
The prizes were distributed by RN Shriwas, secretary, VCA, KK Barat, secretary, NDCA, Umesh Panbude, organizing secretary, NDCA and Swapnil Bansod, chief arbiter.
RESULTS (Round 7)
VK Srivastava (5.5) drew with Shubham Lakudkar (6), Pujjam Bansod (5) lost to T Chandran (5.5), Ayush Jugele (5.5) bt Atharva Bhajne (4.5), Dilip Chepte (5) bt
Nitin Ramteke (4.5), Yashika Chandankhede (4) lost to Nilesh Wasnik (5), Tejaswi Bhosale (4) lost to Rutwik Palaskar (5), Aniruddha Dwivedi (4) lost to Abhishek Ekre (5), Naresh Kantode (4) drew with Shreyas Bhatt (4), Mohan Kale (4.5) bt Nilesh Bande (3.5), Shreyansh Bante (4.5) bt Samir Moronay (3).
Final Standings
1. Shubham Lakudkar (6, 26), 2. VK Srivastava (5.5, 26), 3. Ayush Jugele (5.5, 23.5), 4. T Chandran (5.5, 22.5), 5. Pujjam Bansod (5, 24.5), 6. Nilesh Wasnik (5, 24.5), 7. Abhishek Ekre (5, 22), 8. Dilip Chepte (5, 23.5), 9. Rutwik Palaskar (5, 19.5), 10. Atharva Bhajne (4.5, 23.5).