This was Choitrani's second victory over Behl and turning point came in the second when the winner raced ahead after the scores were 10-all.

Behl however pulled a game back in another taut game before a thrilling fourth game went to extra points.

From 12-all Behl advanced to hold two game points but Choitrani fought back from the brink from 12-14 down. He clinched the match amid mounting tenison and excitement.

National women's champion Mekhala Subedar had better luck as she claimed the crown outplaying Deepali Anvekar 15-6, 15-3, 15-5 in the final.

Mixing the lob and the drop judiciously en route to victory.

Santosh More recorded his maiden triumph in the professional's event. He beat Chandrakant Pawar, thesecond seed and former junior national champion, 13-15, 15-13, 15-6, 15-13.

Junaid Nathani won the under-16 event defeating 13-year-old Siddharth Suchde 15-7, 15-11, 15-10. Amitpal Kohli gained a walkover from top seed Awish Jaiswal who is unwell.

RESULTS:

Men: Manish Choitrani bt Akhil Behl 15-10, 15-11, 11-15, 17-16.

Professionals: Santosh More (Otters) bt Chandrakant Pawar 13-15, 15-13, 15-6, 15-13

WOMEN: Mekhala Subedar bt Deepali Anvekar 15-6, 15-3, 15-5.

U-19: Amitpal Kohli w/o Awish Jaiswal.

U-16: Junaid Nathani bt Siddharth Suchde 15-7, 15-11, 15-10.

Mulund snatch lead

Mulund College of Commerce (MCC) took the sole lead in Group B of the Inter-Collegiate chess tournament at the University Sports Pavilion, today. MCC beat Chetana 3.5-0.5. On the topboard Yashraj Aidasani (ELO 2170) of Chetana with white pieces held MCC's top seed D Ravishankar (ELO 2090) in 16 moves.

On the second board Ramakrishna Kashelkar (ELO 2175) prevailed overKuldeep Vhatwar of Chetana. MCC have collected 11.5 points out of a possible 12.