Alaukik Sinha dominates 2nd Maharashtra Chess Festival Below 1800 Rating Tournament 2025

14-year-old Alaukik Sinha scored an unbeaten 8.5/9 to win 2nd Maharashtra Chess Festival Below 1800 Rating Tournament 2025. He finished a half point ahead of the rest. Aditya Khairmode scored sole 8/9 to secure second place. He also remained undefeated. Parth Moghe and Yug Vishal Bardiya scored 7.5/9 each. They were placed third and fourth according to tie-breaks. The total prize fund was ₹604000. The top three prizes were ₹110000, ₹95000 and ₹85000 along with a trophy each. The four-day nine round Below 1800 rating tournament was organized by Maharashtra Chess Association from 25th to 28th April 2025 at Amanora Mall in Pune, Maharashtra. This is Alaukik's first rating tournament triumph of his career. Photos: Shahid Ahmed