Mumbai, April 3 (IANS) Shriram Mhasane surged into the sole lead with an impressive 6.5 points after Round 7 of the All India Chess Masters (Season 3), underway at the Mumbai Chess Centre, Pedder Road in Mumbai on Friday. Mhasane’s crucial victory over Arjun Singh helped him break away from the chasing pack, giving him a clear edge heading into the final round of the tournament.

On the top board, Rajveer Nahar held Shreyansh Somaiya to a draw in a tightly contested encounter, with both players moving to 5.5 points and remaining within striking distance of the leader.

In other key results, Deepak R. Soni scored an important win over Amogh Bhatavadekar, while Nikhil Shelar defeated Pankaj Borse, and Mohsin Yunus Shaikh overcame Prisha Margaj to stay in contention.

Tanuj Dayal drew with Aashrita Balaji Guttula, while Palaash Mapara bounced back strongly with a win against Ekaansh Sharma, keeping his chances alive going into the final round.

With one round remaining, Mhasane holds a slender but significant lead, while a strong chasing pack ensures that the title race is still wide open and promises a thrilling finish.

Overnight sole leader Palaash Mapara (5 points) saw his winning run come to a grinding halt as he suffered a defeat against Shreyansh Somaiya (5.5 points) in a Round-6 match of the All India Chess Masters (Season 3) Mumbai FIDE Classical Tournament 2026. Playing on the top board with white pieces, Palaash was unable to counter Shreyansh’s clever tactical manoeuvres and suffered his first loss at the Mumbai Chess Centre, Pedder Road, on Thursday.

Results – Round 7 (Top Boards):

Shreyansh Somaiya (5½) drew with Rajveer Nahar (5½) — ½-½

Shriram Mhasane (6½) beat Arjun Singh (5) — 1-0

Tanuj Dayal (5) drew with Aashrita Balaji Guttula (5) — ½-½

Deepak R Soni (5) beat Amogh Bhatavadekar (5) — 1-0

Pankaj Borse (5) lost to Nikhil Shelar (5) — 0-1

Prisha Margaj (5) lost to Mohsin Yunus Shaikh (5) — 0-1

Ekaansh Sharma (5) lost to Palaash Mapara (5) — 0-1

AFM Sohum Pawar (4½) beat Ishan Hemant Jathan (4½) — 1-0

AFM Omkar Gaikwad (4½) drew with Pratik Yadnik (4½) — ½-½

Ivaan Patel (4½) drew with Anay Banka (4½) — ½-½

–IANS

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