Mumbai, April 3: The race for top honours intensified after Round 6 of the All India Chess Masters (Season 3) was underway at the Mumbai Chess Centre, Pedder Road in Mumbai, with multiple players closing in on the lead.
Top seed Palaash Mapara (5 points) was held to a draw by Shreyansh Somaiya (4.5 points) on the top board, slowing his winning momentum but retaining his position at the top of the standings. In a crucial result on Board 2, Pratik Yadnik (4.5) went down to Shriram Mhasane (4.5), who joined the chasing pack with a strong victory. AGM Rajveer Nahar (4.5) continued his consistent run, defeating Yashraj Rathi (4.5), while Tanuj Dayal (4.5) outplayed Amey Dandekar (4) to stay firmly in contention. Arjun Singh (4.5) registered an important win over Dhruv Muthe (4), and Naitik V Mane (4.5) defeated Deepak R Soni (4) to move up the standings. Among other notable results, Nikhiil Shelar (4.5) got the better of Preyas Waghmare (4), while AIM Akashkumar Yadav (4.5) scored against Prisha Margaj (4). Anirudh Anand Iyer (4.5) drew with AFM Sohum Pawar (4) in a balanced encounter.