Easy for IMs

SANGLI, May 11: IMs P Konguvel, Ravi Hegde and Sudhakar Babu curved out facile wins on the opening day of the 30th SK Vaidya Memorial Fide-rating chess tournament today.

Playing with black pieces, Konguvel Oil and Natural Gas Commission defeated Maharashtra8217;s Vinayak Hiremath and Babu Indian Bank beat Guladig Naik, while Hegde Union Bank of India scored win over Shailesh Rawal.

In the strongest ever edition featuring 207 participants, the tournament would see six International Masters, seven women including two International Women Masters, battle their minds over the boards.

Also featuring are national veteran8217;s champion Nasir Ali aged 65 and the youngest participant Shainesh Aher aged five.