240 Players to Compete in the 1st Late Smt. Saral Anant Bapat Memorial Rapid Open Chess Tournament

Pune, 12th September 2024: The inaugural Late Smt. Saral Anant Bapat Memorial Rapid Open Chess Tournament will feature 240 players. Organized by the Buddhibal Kreeda Trust, the event will be held at Shree Ganesh Sabhagruha, Karve Road, Pune, on Sunday, September 15, 2024.

Tournament Director Prakash Kunte announced that the event is sponsored by former National Chess Player Udayan Bapat and his family, including Vivek Bapat and Vidula Bapat. Recognized by the Pune District Chess Circle, the tournament will include participants from Under 10, Under 15, and Open categories, with 91 players holding official ratings. The tournament will be officiated by Chief Arbiter IA Vinita Shrotri.

Prominent players confirmed for the event include Gaurav Bakliwal (2106), Vikas Sharma (1961), Prathamesh Sherla (1954), Avirat Chauhan (1907), Anjaneya Pathak (1896), Rakesh Mathiyazhagan (1617), Varad Gaikwad (1572), Vihan Deshmukh (1569), Eshaan Jandu (1555), Anish Jawalkar (1593), Heyan Reddy (1480), Shriyansh Suhane (1476), and Naitikk Mane (1474).

The tournament will follow the Swiss League Format and consist of seven rounds. A total prize pool of Rs. 26,000 will be awarded, with special prizes for the Best Woman, Best Veteran, and Best Specially Disabled players. The tournament will be inaugurated by Architect Madhukar Bapat on September 15, 2024, at 9:00 AM.