Das, nine other share lead in Thakur international rating chess meet

Mumbai, Apr 22 (UNI) GM Elect Neelotpal Das shared the lead with nine others after the first round in the Thakur International Rating Chess tournament being organised by Venus Chess Academy at Thakur College of Science and Commerce here today.

Neelotpal Das scored a thumping victory on Harish Sharma in 30 moves. Applying the French defence Harish played passively and wasted time in the opening which allowed Neelotpal to slowly gain advantage before his opponent's game collapsed.

On board no 2, IM Sriram Jha played the Reti opening. His opponent Ajith played without any plan and lost a piece and resigned on 27th move.

In another game, Mumbai's experecined coach Prasad Ghate drew with seasoned IM Ravi Hegde.

In the only shock of the day, Atul Dahale of Maharashtra scored an upset win over IM Atanu Lahiri of LIC.

Atul played very well under time pressure forcing Lahiri to resign after 60 moves.

UNI GS KD PK PM2253