He remains unbeaten with a perfect five-point tally
Ponda: Siaan Siddesh Kerkar emerged champion in the Ajinkya Chess Academy tournament, finishing unbeaten with a perfect tally of five points in the competition organised for its coaching academy students and U-13 players from Kelbai-Curti, Pisgal and Rayat areas.
Kerkar dominated proceedings throughout, maintaining a clean slate to secure the top position. Jatin Gaude claimed second place with four points, while Mast Aarush Gaude also scored four points to finish third. Mast Vedant Priolkar ended fourth with four points, and Mast Reyansh Kurtikar secured fifth place.
The tournament, conducted in association with the Ponda Taluka Chess Association (PTCA), witnessed participation from 30 players, including a few tuition students, making for a competitive field. Special prizes for promising players were awarded to Digvijay Gaude in the U-11 category, Tansh Gaude in the U-09 category and Paaviya Naik among girls.
Prizes were distributed in the presence of PTCA president Sagar Sakordekar, PSI Sushant Sangodkar, PTCA treasurer Sandesh Naik and member Siddesh Kerkar.
