Arjun Kulkarni, Ahan Katruka win group titles at LIC-Mumbai Mayor's Cup school chess

The LIC-Mumbai Mayor's Cup school chess tournament, organised by Ideal Sports Academy and the Anandrao Adsul Charitable Trust, is under way. The tournament has been sponsored by the Life Insurance Corporation of India. Arjun Kulkarni won the under-7 group title with 5 points. The under-11 title went to Ahan Katruka, who scored 4.5 points.

Arjun Kulkarni, who remained unbeaten until the deciding fifth round, clinched the group title by checking Rajveer Vichare's king on the 21st move. Former MLA Captain Abhijeet Adsul presented the winner with a cup and a gift. Players Pramod Parte and Ashok Navle, coach Rajababu Gajengi, Shiv Chhatrapati awardee Leeladhar Chavan and others were present.

The tournament is being held in association with the Mumbai City District Chess Association, CBEUM and RMMS. In the under-11 group, the first board saw a fierce contest early on. FIDE-rated Ahan Katruka played aggressive moves, but Kaivalya Parab answered with equal force. In the end, the stronger player had to settle for a draw.

In this group, Ahan Katruka (4.5 points) finished first, Kaivalya Parab (4 points) second and Mrunmayee Davre (4 points) third. Sujay Sawant (3.5 points) was placed fourth and Aarav Kadam (3.5 points) fifth.

In the under-7 group, Arjun Kulkarni (5 points) finished first. Aaroh Chugh (4 points) was second, Ahan Bhatt (4 points) third and Satvik Pandey (4 points) fourth. Rajveer Vichare (3.5 points) won the fifth prize.

The tournament has given the city's chess players a good chance to show their skill. Chess tests strategy, concentration and decision-making. The young players showed good play at the district level. Such tournaments help build sportsmanship and confidence among schoolchildren.