Goan kids sweep Sangli Under 9

Goan kids created a record of sorts
when they swept the top three places
in the traditional All India Open tournament
which takes place in Sangli every year.

In the Under 9 section, wherein both boys
and girls take part, M. Harikrishnan of Goa
won the first prize. He has been on a tear of
late and following his 4th place finish in the
National Under 9 in Bangalore, he added one more
feather in his cap by winning the Sangli crown.
He is being presently coached by V. Sivaswamy of
Bambolim Chess Club.

Following him was Anirudh Bhat of Margao who is
also a very strong, upcoming player. In third
place was Gauri Keshav Hadkonkar who enabled an
unprecedented Goan 'sweep' of the top 3 spots in
this prestigious competition. Finally there was
even more cheer for the Goan contingent when Rishabh
Naik stood 5th. Following in the footsteps
of Bhakti and Ivana, these youngsters will now hope
to carve out a niche for themselves at the national
and international level!