Thakur defeats Chilukuri of Karnataka in Kotak chess tourney

In a brilliant display of chess, FM Akash Thakur (ELO 2297) shot into the sole lead by defeating the overnight joint leader, Likhit Chilukuri of Karnataka in just 22 moves from the black side of the Italian Opening, in the 5th round of Kotak Mahindra Bank International Open Chess Tournament here today.
With three rounds remaining, Akash Thakur has now emerged as one of the front runners to claim the championship.
Likhit, who had displayed solid chess until this game, made an error on the 17th move, which allowed Akash to win a pawn and the former resigned in a hopeless position, when faced with further material loss.

On the top board, the game between other overnight leaders; IM Vikramditya Kulkarni and Deepak Katiyar ended in a thrilling draw whereas IM-elect, Rakesh Kulkarni could not break the solid defence of Supriya Joshi.
These players are now lying on 2nd spot with a score of 5 points and they have been joined by top-seeded, IM Aditya Udeshi, Chinmay Kulkarni and Rajababu Gajengi.
The round also witnessed the end of scintillating unbeaten run of Parnali Dharia, who was defeated by Chinmay Kulkarni of Pune.