Nitin, Rathnavel win titles in local chess tourney

CHENNAI: International Masters S Nitin and VS Rathnavel clinched the rapid and blitz title respectively in the FIDE-rated tournament, which was hosted by DAV Krida Kendram – the sports academy of the DAV Group of Schools – here on Saturday and Sunday. While Nitin received a cash prize of Rs 30,000, Rathnavel became richer by Rs 18,000. Harsh Suresh and S Ajay Krishna came second and third respectively in the rapid format while RR Laxman and Harsh finished – in that order – behind Rathnavel in blitz. According to a media release, over 1,000 players, aged between eight and 88, competed for honours in two formats – rapid (9 rounds) and blitz (8 rounds).