Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) will host the South Zone Inter-University Chess Tournament for Men 2018-19 here from Tuesday to Friday. The Association of Indian University, New Delhi, has entrusted MAHE with the responsibility of hosting the event for the first time.
Addressing presspersons here on Monday, H.S. Ballal, Pro-Chancellor of MAHE, said that 80 universities from Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Poducherry had confirmed participation in the tournament. At least 480 players and 100 team managers and coaches will participate in the tournament, for which all arrangements have been made, he said.
Vinod Nayak, sports secretary, MAHE, said that four teams from the zone would qualify for the All-India Inter-University Tournament, to be held in Meerut later this month. Anna University, Chennai will be defending the South Zone title here. The runners-up last year were SRM University, also from Chennai.
PES University, Bengaluru was placed third last year while MAHE finished 14th.
The teams will play seven rounds in this tournament. Every day, two rounds will be played from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 2.30 p.m. to 6.30 p.m. International Master Stany George Antony from Shivamogga will inaugurate the tournament at 9 a.m. on Tuesday.
