International Master and former National challenger champion, Vikramaditya Kulkarni (ELO 2420) with an all-win record has taken sole lead with 8 points at the end of the eighth round of the Kotak Mahindra Blitz Chess Championship which is being played at the Don Bosco High School, Borivali.
Vikramaditya Kulkarni in action during the eighth round of the Kotak Mahindra Blitz Chess Championship
In a scintillating display of speed chess, this seasoned railway player Kulkarni has pushed back the field by one point in this 15-round tourney. A total of 124 players contesting this event, which includes 90 FIDE rated players are competing in this event which offers a prize pool of Rs.52,500.
Following closely behind in second position is Swapnil Kothari (2035) with a score of 7 points, while a group of four player Kushager, Amardee Bartakke, Sanjeev Nair and Ketan Boricha are jointly sharing the 3rd spot with a score of 6 points.
Meanwhile, at the half-way stage of scholastic chess championship being played in four categories; U-8, U-10, U-12 & U-15, the sole lead was held by Yuti Patel U-15 Girls) & Kiyarra Khaturia (U-12) while the other groups had joint leaders.
A total of 340 children are vying for the championship in this seven round tournament, which is being held as a part of International Chess Day celebration.