Arnav Muralidhar and K.G.R. Anagha (both from Mysuru), hogged the limelight by winning the titles in the U-9 Open category and U-9 girls category on the concluding day of the Karnataka State U9 Open and Girls Chess Championships 2017 organised by Mysore Chess Centre at the Paradise Hotel, here on yesterday.

Arnav Muralidhar of Mysuru (8 pts) and Sachith Katti of Bengaluru (7.5 pts-49) secured the first and second position in the U-9 Open category and earn selection to represent the State in the U-9 Nationals.

In the U-9 girls section K.G. Anangha (former National U-7 champion), of Kalale in Nanjangud with 8.5 points from 9 rounds clinched the title, A.N. Shefali (Mandya) with 7.5 points secured the second place. Both the players earned selection to represent the State in the Nationals.

The prizes to the winners were given away by Manjunath Jain (Jt. Secretary, UKCA), Sreeram Kote (Former State champion), R. Hanumanthu (Jt.Secretary, All India Chess Federation),Vikram Das, Director of Dasprakash Group of Hotels, Harsha Kikkeri, Chess Robot BEAM Developer and M. Nagendra (Director, MCC & Vice-President, UKCA) at a function held at Paradise Hotel on Monday last.

Final Placings: Open: 1. Arnav Muralidhar (Mysuru-8 pts), 2. Sachin Katti (Bengaluru-7.5-49), 3. Abhyuday Santhosh (Bengaluru-7.5-48.5), 4. Arhan Chethan Anand (B’luru-7.5-48), 5.Apoorv Kamble (B’luru-7-49.5).

U-9 Girls: 1. K.G.R. Anangha (Mysuru-8.5), 2. A.N. Shefali (Mandya-7.5), 3.Yashaswini S. Kiran (Mysuru-7-46), 4. Sharanya S. Mallya (DK-7-39.5), 5. Avantika Banujit (Bengaluru-6.5-46).