Cool and composed highest rated participant, Candidate Master title holder, Kumaresh A of Tamil Nadu has taken sole lead with eight points to continue his unbeaten run in the ongoing International Rating Chess Fiesta here at IDPS School campus.

With no one close to him, Kumaresh was leading with perfect eight points at the end of round-eight displaying bold and flawless chess. He displayed high level tactical skills and remained unbeaten.

However, local players,Ashutosh Jamwal and current J&K champion, Sumit Grover were only behind Kumaresh with 6.5 points each. Among other leaders were Ram Parkash of Indian Railways and Ishmeet Singh of Punjab along with three J&K players, Aarav Gupta, Maxim Singh and Aahana Gupta with six points each.

With last round to spare tomorrow morning, there hardly exists any competition for the title while there will be close contests for the other positions.

In total, 120 players are taking part in this important event with record 50 freshers in any rating event from host J&K. The event, organized by the Jammu District Chess Association, was being played under FIDE Laws of Chess under following Swiss system.

Since tomorrow being the last day of the event, cash prizes worth Rs. Two Lacs will be distributed among the winners of various categories.

The event is being held under planning and supervision of Meenal Gupta, first woman President of the All J&K Chess Association (AJKCA).

In the meantime, players appreciated the beautiful ambience of the school venue and highly professional arrangements by the school and association.

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