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Janhavi Soneji won the All India Chess Masters – Season 4 in Mumbai after drawing with AGM Rajveer Pinkesh Nahar in the final round. Remaining unbeaten across eight rounds, she secured the title in a closely contested tournament featuring several thrilling matches, major upsets, and strong performances from emerging and experienced chess players.

Mumbai: Janhavi Soneji (1792) emerged champion of the All India Chess Masters – Season 4 after holding AGM Rajveer Pinkesh Nahar (1801) to a draw in the final round at the Mumbai Chess Centre, hosted at the Russian Centre for Science and Culture, Pedder Road, Mumbai.

Entering the final round among the tournament leaders, Janhavi displayed remarkable consistency throughout the event. In the championship-deciding encounter, she handled the White pieces confidently and opted for the Scotch Opening. The game soon developed into a dynamic battle featuring opposite-side castling, with both players seeking attacking chances against the enemy king.

Following a series of exchanges, the game simplified into a balanced position where neither side could make significant progress. The draw proved sufficient for Janhavi to secure the tournament title, capping off an outstanding unbeaten performance over eight rounds.

The title race remained fiercely contested until the very end. On Board 2, Reyaansh Venkat (1906) and Mayuresh Parkar (1781) drew their crucial encounter, while Kush Ajay Agarwal (1835) defeated Gaurang Bhandari (1889) to finish strongly among the leading group.