FM M.G. Gahan with 8.5 points from nine rounds clinched the Karnataka State U-25 Chess title in the Championships which concluded in Kalaburagi on Sunday.

Ithal H.L. Rajath of Shivamogga and L. Vivekananda of Mysuru tied with 7.5 points from nine rounds, but the former with a better progressive score of 57 to the later’s 52 secured the second place.

Vivekananda secured the third place. He had wins over Nitin Y. Patil, Ganesh K. Hosamani, H. Abhay, B.R. Gagan, B.A. Aditya, Nitish Bhat and Siddhant Dharwar. He drew his final round against Ithal Rajath and had a fifth round loss against the ultimate winner FM M.G. Gahan.

Final Placings

FN M.G. Gahan (8.5), 2. Ithal H.L. Rajath (7.5-57), 3. L. Vivekananda (7.5-52), 4. AGM Prashanth J. Naik (7-53), 5. B.M. Sujay (7-53).