Jamshedpur: Kiran and Ashutosh lead the LIC East Central Zonal Chess Tournament

Jamshedpur, August 29: The LIC East Central Zonal Chess Tournament 2024, organized by the DSC and LIESC, Jamshedpur Division, kicked off at the Jeevan Prakash Building in Bistupur with intense matches in both the men’s and women’s sections.

In the women’s category, Woman Grandmaster (WGM) Kiran Manisha Mohanty secured a lead by defeating Nemali Padma Sailaja, placing her at the top with three points. Meanwhile, Meghna Raj and Manisha Trivedi ended their match in a draw, while Asha Kumar claimed victory over K. Puja Rao. The second position is currently shared by Nemali Padma Sailaja, Asha Kumari, and Ratnapriya Raj, each with two points.

On the men’s side, Ashutosh Mohapatra emerged as the leader, defeating Amresh Kumar 3-2 to secure three points. Other matches saw Bidhu Bhusan Mishra and Himangshu B. Chakraborty play to a draw, while C.H. Prabhakar Rao beat Astik Kumar Dalai to claim the second position with 2.5 points. Amresh Kumar follows in third place with two points.

The tournament features a total of 22 players, with 12 in the men’s category and 10 in the women’s category. Over the course of the day, three rounds were played in both categories. The men will compete in a total of six rounds, while the women will play five rounds.

The event was inaugurated by Chief Guest Shyam Sundar Besra, RM (HRD), Patna, in the presence of Ananta Bhushan Rath, Sr. DM, Jamshedpur, and G. Ravi Shankar, Hony. Secretary of the LIE Sports Club. The tournament is being officiated by Chief Arbiter IA Chandan Kumar Prasad.