Kolhapur:First-ranked Vivan Soni from Kolhapur on Monday secured his place in the district squad after defeating his rival Shantnu Patil in under-17 chess championship for boys held here at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj stadium, on behalf of Chess Association with the recognition of Kolhapur District Chess Association.Similarly, in girls' category, first-ranked Mahima Shirke won championship and secured her position in the squad.
At end of final sixth round, Vivan got 5.5 points out of 6 and won the championship.
While, Shantnu Patil and Arin Kulkarni with five points each were adjudged as first and second runners-up respectively.In girls' category, Mahima beat her rival Sanskruti Sutar with 6.5 points out of seven and won the championship.
While, Sanskruti was the first runners-up with 5.5 points and Siddhi Bubne was second runners-up.Four members of the district squad including Vivan Soni, Shantnu Patil, Mahima Shirke and Sanskruti Sutar will compete in the state-level chess competition to be held in Buldhana from April 14 to 16.(UNI)