Two share lead

Mumbai, August 19: HR Commerce and Vivekanand with 3.5 points each jointly lead a field of eight teams at the end of the first round of the Inter-Collegiate chess championships at Somani College, Chowpatty.

HR beat St Gonsalo while Vivekanand got the better of Ruparel by the same score of 3.5-0.5. RA Podar are on second spot after demolishing Annasaheb Vartak with a 3-1 verdict.

Chandibai Ulasnagar away 1.5 points from hot favourites MCC who are third with 2.5 points.

In the women8217;s section, top seed Shamla outwitted Priti Shivramkrishna of Ruia in 29 moves with white pieces. Last year8217;s runners-up Priya Advani of MMK was shocked by Anupama Sirghani of Podar. Shanti Reddy of Royal, Malati Vhatwar of Chetana, Grishna Shah of Govt Law, Devarshi Mhatre of Vartak Vasai, Prachi Mehta of Podar have all won their first round games along with 12 others.