Sayantan Ghosh, who has crossed the age limit, will not be able to defend his title as Diptayan will start favourite among as many as 250 players from 22 states.
Hosts Bengal will field 60 players followed by heavyweights Tamil Nadu who have confirmed 27 entries, Bengal Chess Association secretary Atanu Lahiri said here today.
The tournament will be held in 11 round Swiss League format and the final will be held on August 14.