Mumbai, April 1 Palaash Mapara secured his fifth consecutive victory, emerging as the sole leader after five rounds of the third season of the All India Chess Masters here on Wednesday.
Playing with the black pieces, Mapara (5 points) defeated Punit Dodiya (4) to take the lead.
He is followed by five other players – Shriram Mhasane, Pratik Yadnik, Yashraj Rathi, AGM Rajveer Nahar, and Shreyansh Somaiya – who each have 4.5 points.
Somaiya defeated Ahaan Kataruka (3.5), while Nahar beat Shrirang Agharkar (3.5) in other matches.
Results (top 10): Punit Dodiya (4) lost to Palaash Mapara (5); Yashraj Rathi (4.5) drew with Pratik Yadnik (4.5); Ahaan Kataruka (3.5) lost to Shreyansh Somaiya (4.5); AFM Sohum Pawar (4) drew with AIM Akashkumar Yadav (4); Shrirang Agharkar (3.5) lost to AGM Rajveer Nahar (4.5); Shriram Mhasane (4.5) beat Anay Banka (3.5); Pankaj Borse (4) drew with Anand Iyer (4); Prisha Margaj (4) beat AFM Omkar Gaikwad (3.5).
