Daijiworld Media Network- Mangalore (RS/VA)
 
Mangalore, Feb 2: With the view to encourage the budding talent, the Presidency School, Kelarai conducted a rapid chess tournament `Mind Spark’ at the school premises on Sunday January 31.

In all 260 players from 50 schools in and around the district participated in the tournament.The game was conducted in seven rounds in Swiss league system of 20 minutes each (Rapid time league) and there were three categories each  for boys and girls-Under 16, under 12 and under nine.

Derik Pinto, administrator, Derik’s Chess School inaugurated the tournament.

Award distribution ceremony was held in the evening. Srinivas Nayak, TV Journalist and secretary of Press Club, was the chief guest and he along with principal Usha Rao presented the championship trophies and certificates to the winners.

Sharada Vidyalaya bagged the first place in overall champion trophy. SVS Bantwal won the second place and SDM, Ujire won the third place.

Speaking on the occasion, Nayak said that earlier chess tournaments were not so popular in the city but these days more number of students are taking part in chess tournament for which Mind Spark is the best example with the participation of 260 students.

Usha Rao, principal of the school, said that chess is one game which can be played by people of all ages. “With encouragement and practice children can excel in chess”, she added.

Chief arbiter Prasanna Rao presented the arbiter's report and physical education teacher Richard Thomas rendered the vote of thanks. Nemiraja Shetty, president of Tulunadu Chess Forum was present.