Grand Master (GM) M.S. Thejkumar of Mysuru, with 9 points from nine rounds, won the title in the Karnataka State Level Open Rapid Chess Tournament conducted by Mysuru District Chess Association (MDCA), under the aegis of UKCA at the University Gymnasium Hall here yesterday. Thejkumar won his last round tie against M.D. Chiranth and clinched the title with a cash prize of Rs.15,000 and a trophy. Ojas Kulkarni (7.5-46), D. Yashas (7.5-44.75) and M. Shivanth (7.5-44.75) tied with 7.5 points each and on the basis of their tie-break score, secured the places from second to fourth and took home cash prizes of Rs.10,000, Rs.5,000 & Rs.4,000 respectively with the trophies. V.P.S. Darshan with seven points secured the fifth place and took home a cash prize of Rs.3,500 and a trophy. The top five players in the U-7, U-9, U-11, U-13 & U-15 (boys & girls) were given trophies. Special prizes to the Best Veteran, Best youngest players were also given. The prizes were given away by Dr. C. Krishna, retd. Director, Dept. of Physical Education, UoM, Dr. Vishwanath Baligar, Vice-President, UKCA, M. Nagendra, Vice-President, UKCA, N. Sudharshan, President, MDCA and K.R. Shivarame Gowda, Hon. Secretary, MDCA.
