Surya Sekhar Ganguly of Petroleum Sports Promotion Board won the National ‘A’ Chess Championship for the fifth time in a row, equalling International Master Manuel Aaron’s record.

Though Ratnakaran posted a fine win over Neelotpal Das of PSPB to tie with Ganguly for the first place with nine points, Ganguly was declared winner as he had a better progressive score.

Arun Prasad of PSPB dashed the title hopes of G N Gopal (PSPB), defeating the Kerala player in the final round to peg him back in the title race.

Gopal could not make any breakthrough with his extra pawn.

Moreover, he played some weak moves, handing over the advantage to Arun. Gopal claimed the third position and Arun Prasad was placed fourth.

Safe game

Ganguly played a safe game, adopting the Sicilian defence against Delhi’s young grandmaster Parimarjan Negi.

They agreed to split the point once Ganguly was sure that Gopal could not win on the second board.

The encounter between young International Master B Adhiban of Tamil Nadu and M R Venkatesh also of Tamil Nadu, but now playing for PSPB, ended decisively in favour of the former.

Grandmaster Pravin Thipsay of BSB subdued schoolboy Vidit Gujrati from Maharashtra in 51 moves.

The championship was organised by the Tamil Nadu Chess Association and sponsored by Velammal Education Trust.