SMCAite Aman Dhanuka wins U-9 West Bengal Chess Crown

Aman Dhanuka of La Martiniere for Boys with seven points lifted the prestigious 31st U-9 West Bengal Open chess championship that concluded at Gariahat's Vrindavan Hall on Thursday.

A total of 195 players took part in the meet, out of which 19 were rated players. Dhanuka was seeded fourth with a rating of 1209. The fourth standard student logged in six points from as many rounds and was placed atop the table with half point clear lead.

Aman, who is honing his chess skills with India's leading chess academy SMCA. "Aman has a great potential to become the next grand master from Kolkata," Dhanuka's coach Ashraf said.

According to the chief coach of SMCA, Fide Master Balaji Guttula too was full of praise for Dhanuka. "Aman's tactical acumen is good which helps him outwit opponents at the slightest of opportunity. Without a doubt Aman will be a formidable player in the coming days," Balaji added.

Dhanuka's brilliance was observed in the sixth round tie against Shreeyash Kejriwal (1228) when a magnificent queen sacrifice completely turned the match on its head. In the seventh, the nine-year old drew with Yug Desai (1096) and then followed it up with another draw against top seed Archisman Patra (1306). Tied on seven, Dhanuka was declared winner on a better progressive score.