JAMMU, Oct 1: FIDE Masters (FM) Madesh Kumar S of Puducherry and FM Madhvendra Pratap Sharma of Madhya Pradesh are jointly leading the Open Section with five points each after Round 5 of the 36th National U-17 Boys and Girls Chess Championship, being held at Kangrafort Banquets and Resorts, Barnai, Jammu.
Both players registered hard-fought victories against strong opponents to reach the top of the standings. In the Girls Section, FM Prishita Gupta of Delhi, Shivamshika G of Telangana and WCM Archita Agarwal of Uttar Pradesh are jointly leading with 4.5 points each after five rounds.
The championship has attracted a record participation of 286 players from 30 States and Union Territories, including 38 players from Jammu and Kashmir. Besides the participating players, around 200 arbiters, managers, coaches and accompanying persons are also associated with the championship.
The prestigious event carries a total cash prize of Rs 9 lakh and also serves as a direct selection platform for international events, including the World, Asian and Commonwealth championships. The top three finishers will receive sponsorship from the Sports Authority of India for four international tours, including the World Championship. They will also be eligible for sponsorship support ranging from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 10 lakh from the All India Chess Federation.
The championship is being conducted under the supervision of Atul Kumar Gupta, Chairman, Planning and Development Commission of the All India Chess Federation.
The arbiters’ team is being led by Jismon Mathew of Kerala, with Arbind Singh of Bihar serving as Deputy Chief Arbiter. Ovais from Kerala and around 13 other arbiters from different States are assisting in the conduct of the championship.
The tournament is being played under the Swiss System in accordance with the FIDE Laws of Chess. A total of 11 rounds will be played to determine the final standings.
The championship is being organised by the All J&K Chess Association under the aegis of the J&K Sports Council and on behalf of the All India Chess Federation.