Negi splits point with Bakre; wins Natl 'A' title

Playing with white pieces in the final round, second seed Negi needed just half a point to ensure the title and he secured the same within 15 moves against his Air India rival.
Negi ended the tournament with nine and half points.

Three players tied for the second spot with eight and half points but better Bucholz tie break score helped Kochi-based G N Gopal, the top seed, to finish runner up trophy.
In the final round, Gopal settled for a draw against defending champion Grandmaster B Adhiban.

Adhiban finished third while former national champion Abhijit Kunte ended fourth after beating International Master Vidit Gujarathi in the final round.

Along with his national title and cash prize of Rs 1.25 lakh, Negi became the first Indian to secure a berth for the next World Cup in Khanty Mansiysk.

Delhi Chess Association President Bharat Singh Chauhan also announced a cash award of Rs 50,000 during the closing ceremony to Negi for becoming the first Delhi player to become the National ‘A’ Champion.