Players contemplate their moves at Wangkhei in Imphal East on Wednesday. Telegraph picture

Imphal, Feb. 5: Top seed Rk. Apollosana started in style in the inaugural match of the E. Kunjeswor Singh first state-level Open Chess Tournament under way at Lizard Community Hall, Wangkhei in Imphal East today.

Playing on table number one, Apollosana humbled W. Birjit Singh, collecting three points while second seed Kh. Sanjoy defeated Rk. Pakasana to collect three points as well. Third seed N. Bankim defeated S. Lawrence.

Others who registered wins are L. Shyamkishore, Kh. Merajao, A. Romio, Ph. Gopeshor, Y. Yaisana, M. Rendra, Ronald Soibam, Ph. Surajkanta, L. Yemen, L. Atembi, N. Somokanta, Y. Shanker, K. Kunjabihari, N. Bobycha, L. Koireng, Kh. Ole, Aribam Anand Sharma, S. Boinao, N. Yoihenba and Malemnganba Loitam.

Fourth seed L. Shakespeare and M. Sanatomba Singh managed a draw to share a point each.

Veteran cricket: Cyclone Thangmeiband moved into the final with a 41-run victory over Champ Khagempalli in the 11th Manipur Veteran Cricket Championship at Langthabal. Cyclone rode on Stanley’s unbeaten 36 runs to pile up 150 runs.

Ingenjao contributed 32 runs while Sunil got 19 runs and Tiken fetched 18 runs. Among Champ bowler, David, Ratan and Tomthang bagged two wickets each.

In reply, Champ batsman Ninghor 26 runs and Ratan 25 runs goes in vain as they could manage just 109 runs for 10 wickets from 26 overs.

England and Mohen contributed 16 runs each. Cyclone bowler Robindro Singh was the chief wrecker claiming four wickets while Binoy got two wickets and Arun Tiken got one.