Gangolli claims 5th straight national chess title for blind

Karnataka's Kishan Gangolli on Sunday won the National 'A' Chess Championship for Blind for the fifth consecutive time, while Ashvin Makwana of Gujarat and Odisha's Soundarya Kumar Pradhan finished second and third respectively.

At the end of the 13 rounds, Gangolli (Rating 1996) got 10.5 points. Makwana (Rating 1744) earned 9.5 points, while Soundarya (Rating 1753) totalled 9 points.

Aryan Joshi of Maharashtra (Rating 1814) with 8.5 points, was fourth. Odisha's Subhendu Kumar Patra (Rating 1604) with 7.5 points, was fifth at the Andheri Sports Complex.

In the 13th round on Sunday, Kishan Gangolli played against Soundarya's brother Prachurya and was determined to win the championship on the last day. However, Prachurya gave a tough fight and both settled for a draw.

These top five players in the championship will form the Indian team for the forthcoming 'World Team Championship' for the blind to be held in Bulgaria in July 2018.

Also, the top 3 juniors (under the age of 20) will represent 'World Junior' championship for the blind in Poland in August 2018.

--IANS

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