TUTICORIN: International Master RB Ramesh won the 11th Spic Open International Rating chess tournament here today, scoring eight points in nine rounds.

In the first board match between Ramesh and RR Laxman of Chennai, Laxman used first method of defence. The game was evenly poised until 37 moves. As Laxman gave way for a soldier, Ramesh took advantage and won the match.

In the second board, Southern Railways Board player BT Muralikrishnan defeated International Women's Master Anupama Gokhale in the 34th move.

Mumbai University pip Calicut women

KOZHIKODE: Defending champion Mumbai University struggled to overpower the fighting Calicut eves in the first semifinal league of the South-West Zone Inter-university women's kabaddi tournament played at the Calicut University stadium here today.

Mumbai University won 23-21.

In another semifinal league match, Shivaji Varsity suffered a shock from Poona University. The latter pipped Shivaji 45-43.