MDU boys, DU girls claim top spots in inter-varsity chess meet

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, November 9

Maharshi Dayanand University (MDU), Rohtak, and the University of Delhi (DU) won the men's and women's titles, respectively, in the North-Zone Inter-University Chess Tournament, which concluded at Chandigarh University, Gharuan, today. 

MDU amassed a total of 22 points to claim the top spot. DU men followed closely in second place with 21.5 points, while Punjab Engineering College (PEC), Chandigarh, scored 20 points to bag the third position. Chaudhary Charan Singh University (CCSU), Meerut, ended three points behind in fourth place.

In the final round, MDU played a 2-2 draw against CCSU, Merrut, while PEC blanked IK Gujral Punjab Technical University (IKGPTU), Kapurthala, 4-0. DU men held Punjab University, Chandigarh, to a 2-2 draw.  

Central University, Jammu, defeated Chitkara University, Rajpura, 2.5-1.5. The hosts, Chandigarh University, registered an identical 2.5-1.5 win over the University of Jammu, while Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Rohilkhand University humbled Chaudhary Bansi Lal University, Bhiwani, 3-1.

Meanwhile, DU scored 24 points to top the podium in the women's competition. Panjab University finished a distant second with 15 points, while Punjabi University, Patiala, garnered 13 points to occupy the third spot. 

In the final round, Patiala girls played a 2-2 draw against Panjab University, while DU registered a 4-0 win over MDU 4-0. Lucknow University defeated IKGPTU 3-1.

Thapar University, Patiala, outclassed Chitkara University 4-0 and CCSU, Merrut, drubbed the University of Allahbad 3.5-0.5. Himachal Pradesh University downed Gharwal University 3-1. 

Abhiraj Sinha of Lucknow University, Bharat Kaura of Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana, Jai Saxena from the University of Allahabad and MDU's Punit Indora were adjudged the best players in their respective categories in the men's competition.  

Suyeta Saha of Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, and Isha Saini of Guru Jambheshwar University, Hisar, won the honours in the women's category.

Abhinandan shines 

Abhinandan Vohra scored a total of 4½ points to claim the top spot in the 30th Chandigarh Chess Championship here on Saturday. Rohan Gupta followed in second place with four points, while Swastik Singhal (4 points) and Vipan Negi (4 points) claimed the third and fourth positions, respectively. The championship was organised by the Chandigarh Chess Association. The top-four players in the competition will represent the city at the National Senior Chess Championship, scheduled to be held in Sikkim from December 9-20.