The other overnight joint leader Acharya Marathe were held by R A Podar. Acharya is on 16.5, while Podar, on 16 points, have taken the second and third spots, respectively.

Khalsa, who defeated R D National with a margin of 2.5-1.5, are on the fourth rung with 15.5 points. Jai Hind and Sydenham, who drew against each other, are on the fifth spot with 15 points each. N R Swami and Mithibai have collected 14 points each.

All these seven teams have chances to be selected in the top four teams for the play-off matches. Only one round (7th) remained in Group A.

In Group B, Mulund Commerce (MCC), who defeated Pendharkar (Dombivli) 3-1, have maintained their fourpoints lead over the other teams. With two rounds to spare, MCC have almost qualified for the play-off with 18.5 points. Vartak (Vasai), who beat Chetna 3-1, are placed second on 14.4 points. Chandibai (Ulhasnagar) are on the third rung after beating St Gonsalo and Somaiya (Arts) have all collected 12.5 points.

In Group A, Podar's Rashmin Pulekar (ELO 2105), who represented Mumbai University the reigning champions twice in a row, has won all his games on the top board. On the third board, Chandrakant of Ruparel too won all his six games. In Group B, no player has won all his five games on the top board. But MCC's Ravishankar (ELO 22090) and Chetana's Yashraj Aidasani (ELO 2170) have collected 4.5 points each on the top board. On the second board, MCC's R Kashilkar (ELO 2175) and on the third boards MCC's Ashish Thattee and Chandibai's Onkar Upasni too have won all five games in a row.

Top Board Results
Group A (6th round): VES Tech 15 lost to H R Commerce 17 (3.5-0.5); R A Podar 16 drewwith Acharya 16.5 (2-2); Sydenham drew with Jai Hind 15 (2-2); R D National 13.5 lost to Khalsa 15.5 (1.5-2.5); Ruia 13.5 drew with N R Swamy 14 (2-2); St Xavier's 12.5 lost to Ruparel 13.5 (1-2).

Group B (5th round):
Pendharkar 12.5 lost to MCC 18.5 (1-3); Chetana 12.5 lost to Vasai 14.5 (1-3); St Gonsalo 12.5 lost to CHM 13.5 (1.5-2.5); Somaiya Arts 12.5 bt D J Sanghvi 12 (2.5-1.5); Vartak 12 bt MMK 11 (2.5-1.5); RKT 12.5 bt S K Somaiya 10.5 (3-1).