Joshi stuns Bharthakoti

GM Harsha Bharathakoti vs. G B Joshi. Photo Courtesy: The Hindu

New Delhi (09 Jan 20) :- Delhi’s seasoned player G B Joshi came up with an inspired effort to beat Grand Master Harsha Bharthakoti in the first round of the 18th Delhi International Grandmasters Chess tournament that got under way here.

Joshi was at his best in probably his best performance in over five years as he matched the Grandmaster move for move a long time. Harsha enjoyed the initial advantage with his white pieces but Joshi was quick to pounce on an opportunity that netted him a fine game. The result was never in doubt thereafter.

Grandmaster Yakobboev Noddirbek of Uzbekistan was held to a draw by S Dhananjay on a day when most of the top seeds sailed through int he opener over their lesser-known rivals. Nodirbek found the going tough in the early phase itself and Dhananjay was able to pull off a half-point without much ado.

The 5-times Commonwealth Champion and defending champion here, Grandmaster Abhijeet Gupta made a winning start at the expense of Thrish Karthik while another local hopeful Sahaj Grover was a bit lucky to score over Sarbojit Paul. Grover is back in India after a two-year hiatus from Indian chess as he is currently pursuing studies in South Africa.

The event has over 350 players in the open section and over 800 players in the B Group. The total prize fund this year is a whopping 1.1 crore Rupees.

Earlier in the day the event was formally inaugurated by Sh. Subrata Roy, Chairman Sahara group. In his speech, Mr. Roy confirmed that Sahara Group will look in to how Chess can be supported by the conglomerate.

Mr Bharat Singh Chauhab, Hon. Seceratary, AICF meanwhile announced that the next event will be held with 1.25 Crores as prize fund.

Important Results

Round 1

Click here for Round 2 pairings.