International Master Vikramditya Kulkarni staved off a grim challenge from top-seeded IM Aditya Udeshi in the final round of Kotak Mahindra Bank International Open FIDE Rating Chess Tournament to win the championship with a score of 7.5 here today.
Playing white, Kulkarni went for the solid set-up of English opening as a draw was sufficient for him to become the champion.
Udeshi used all his experience but Vikramditya was equal to the task and both players settled for a draw after 44 moves.
Kulkarni bagged the coveted B M Zaveri Memorial Trophy and recieved the prize money of Rs 75,000.
IM Sameer Kathmale from Sangli bagged the second position and a cash prize of Rs 50,000, whereas Udeshi finished third and collected Rs 25,000.
