Bharti, Datir clinch titles under-7 open chess championship at Pune

Pune players like Aarush Dolas (7 ½ points), Aditya Joshi (7 points), Sarthak Deshpande (6 ½ points) finished the tournament on a decent note

Siddhant Bharti of Mumbai suburban and Swadha Datir of Yavatmal claimed the title in the Maharashtra state selection under-7 open chess championship at Khed Shivapur on Sunday.

Swadha Datir from Yavatmal at the Maharashtra State selection under-7 girls and boys chess championship, in Khed Shivapur on Sunday.(Pratham Gokhale/HT Photo)

Bharti delivered the clinical show as he won all nine rounds to emerge a clear winner. Datir earned 6 ½ points in eight rounds to take home the title.

Six-year-old Bharti started playing chess before nine months and practices at Chankya Chess Club, Mumbai.

“I followed what Pankit Mota had said me. I was preparing for the tournament for one and half month,” said Bharti.

Bharti along with Aarush Dolas of Pune, Viraj Rane (Mumbai-suburban) and Sreevaishnav Nair (Raigad) will represent Maharashtra team in the under-7 national chess tournament which will be conducted in West Bengal from June 1-6.

Siddhant Bharti from Mumbai at the Maharashtra State selection under-7 girls and boys chess championship, in Khed Shivapur on Sunday. (Pratham Gokhale/HT Photo)

Datir and Chatruthi Pardeshi of Pune will also be the part of Maharashtra team.

Datir who had a very good tournament lost his last round match against Mysha Perwez of Mumbai suburban.

“I give credit to my parents for the victory. I will keep playing chess in future as well,” said Datir who trains under coach Amol Markande.

Pune players like Aarush Dolas (7 ½ points), Aditya Joshi (7 points), Sarthak Deshpande (6 ½ points) finished the tournament on a decent note.

“It was a decent show from my son. He (Aditya) started playing chess since last 4-5 months. I just introduced the game to him and the best part is he is enjoying it,” said Shripad Joshi, Aditya’s father.