Awate wins title

AUGUST 10: Avinash Awate drew with G Balaji to win the Maharashtra Classical Chess tournament with 7.5 points today. Rashmin Pulekar, also with 7.5 points, tied with the winner after defeating Hemant Mandhare in the final round at the Bhosale Sports Complex, Andheri.

Awate was declared winner on basis of better progressive scores in this tournament organised by the Bombay Chess Association.

Standings: Avinash Awate; 2. R Pulekar; 3-5. G Balaji, S Kutwal Pune, P Mokal Pune.