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Mhasane Takes Sole Lead in Thrilling All India Chess Masters Finale

Shriram Mhasane seized the sole lead with 6.5 points after a crucial victory in Round 7 of the All India Chess Masters. A strong group of contenders, including Rajveer Nahar and Shreyansh Somaiya, remain close behind with 5.5 points. The tournament saw significant results, including Deepak R. Soni and Nikhil Shelar securing important wins to stay in contention. With one round left, Mhasane's lead is narrow, setting the stage for a dramatic finale in Mumbai.

Key Points: All India Chess Masters: Mhasane Leads Into Final Round

  • Mhasane leads with 6.5 points
  • Title race heads to thrilling final round
  • Chasing pack remains within striking distance
  • Overnight leader Mapara suffered key loss
2 min read

Mhasane takes sole lead; title race heads into final round of All India Chess Masters

Shriram Mhasane leads with 6.5 points after Round 7. The title race remains wide open with a strong chasing pack heading into the final round.

"Mhasane holds a slender but significant lead, while a strong chasing pack ensures that the title race is still wide open. - Report"

Mumbai, April 3

Shriram Mhasane surged into the sole lead with an impressive 6.5 points after Round 7 of the All India Chess Masters, underway at the Mumbai Chess Centre, Pedder Road in Mumbai on Friday. Mhasane's crucial victory over Arjun Singh helped him break away from the chasing pack, giving him a clear edge heading into the final round of the tournament.

On the top board, Rajveer Nahar held Shreyansh Somaiya to a draw in a tightly contested encounter, with both players moving to 5.5 points and remaining within striking distance of the leader.

In other key results, Deepak R. Soni scored an important win over Amogh Bhatavadekar, while Nikhil Shelar defeated Pankaj Borse, and Mohsin Yunus Shaikh overcame Prisha Margaj to stay in contention.

Tanuj Dayal drew with Aashrita Balaji Guttula, while Palaash Mapara bounced back strongly with a win against Ekaansh Sharma, keeping his chances alive going into the final round.

With one round remaining, Mhasane holds a slender but significant lead, while a strong chasing pack ensures that the title race is still wide open and promises a thrilling finish.

Overnight sole leader Palaash Mapara (5 points) saw his winning run come to a grinding halt as he suffered a defeat against Shreyansh Somaiya (5.5 points) in a Round-6 match of the All India Chess Masters (Season 3) Mumbai FIDE Classical Tournament 2026. Playing on the top board with white pieces, Palaash was unable to counter Shreyansh's clever tactical manoeuvres and suffered his first loss at the Mumbai Chess Centre, Pedder Road, on Thursday.

Results - Round 7 (Top Boards):

Shreyansh Somaiya (5½) drew with Rajveer Nahar (5½) - ½-½

Shriram Mhasane (6½) beat Arjun Singh (5) - 1-0

Tanuj Dayal (5) drew with Aashrita Balaji Guttula (5) - ½-½

Deepak R Soni (5) beat Amogh Bhatavadekar (5) - 1-0

Pankaj Borse (5) lost to Nikhil Shelar (5) - 0-1

Prisha Margaj (5) lost to Mohsin Yunus Shaikh (5) - 0-1

Ekaansh Sharma (5) lost to Palaash Mapara (5) - 0-1

AFM Sohum Pawar (4½) beat Ishan Hemant Jathan (4½) - 1-0

AFM Omkar Gaikwad (4½) drew with Pratik Yadnik (4½) - ½-½

Ivaan Patel (4½) drew with Anay Banka (4½) - ½-½

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
So proud to see Indian chess talent shining like this. Shreyansh and Rajveer's draw on the top board shows the high level of competition. The depth in our chess scene is truly impressive now.
D
David E
Following this from the US. The coverage is great, but it would be even better with some live commentary or analysis of the key games, especially Mhasane's crucial win. The final round is set up perfectly.
A
Aman W
Tough luck for Palaash Mapara yesterday, but great to see him bounce back with a win today! That's the spirit. The chasing pack is so close, anyone in the top 5-6 can still dream. Exciting stuff!
K
Kavya N
Heartening to see so many young players like Prisha Margaj and Aashrita Guttula competing at this level. The future of Indian chess is in safe hands. Go girls! 👏
R
Rohit P
Mhasane has a half-point lead, but in chess, that's nothing. One bad move and it's gone. Pressure will be immense. Hope the organizers stream the final round live on YouTube.

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