NT Reporter
Ponda
Siddhiraj Gaunkar emerged champion in the Ponda Taluka level Open Rapid Chess Tournament, organised by Ponda Friends Circle Sports & Cultural Club (PFC) in association with the Ponda Taluka Chess Association (PTCA) at Shree Nakteshwar Hall, Ponda.
Sathvik Kerkar finished second, while Suyash Pai claimed the third spot. Players finishing fourth to fifteenth included Riddhi Gaude, Rutik Gaude, Yoguesh Dalvi, Anvay Borkar, Ganesh Velingkar, Neevaan Mandlekar, Kaushal Naik, Harish Govekar, Ishan Paramshetti, Samruddh Borker, Chetan Kurtikar, and Aarya Helekar.
Category winners were Dhruveen Naik (Best U-15 Boy), Aastha Nayak (Best U-15 Girl), Samarth Gaonkar (Best U-13 Boy), Saumyaa Raikar (Best U-13 Girl), Nityam Gaude (Best U-11 Boy), Ditya Lotlikar (Best U-11 Girl), Vihaan Sahakari (Best U-9 Boy), Amaira Borkar (Best U-9 Girl), Nirbhay Gaude (Best U-7 Boy), and Eeshwari Upadhye (Best U-7 Girl). Yashwin Gaude was the youngest participant, while Datta Naik was recognised as the best player above 40.
