New Delhi: International Master (IM) Padmini Rout played out a hard-fought draw with her Petroleum Sports Promotion Board (PSPB) teammate Eesha Karavade that helped her to secure a hat-trick of title wins in the National Women Premier Chess Championships, which ended here Monday. Padmini had won the titles in 2014 and 2015.
Ending her tally with eight points from 11 games, Padmini managed to put an end to a series of mediocre performances that saw her rating go down by over 70 points. With this triumph, her ratings will certainly go up as she stands to gain 12-13 points.
The Orissa girl was at the top of her game right through and did not face any challenges in her quest to strike for gold.
“This is indeed an incredible moment for me,” stated Padmini when contacted over the phone. “I have worked very hard for this event and now it has paid off,” she added.
Padmini also said that there were no easy matches for her in the event. “Look the field was very tough, everyone whom I played were tremendous competitors,” informed Padmini with excitement purely evident in her voice. “However, I think the win against Vijju (GM-elect S Vijayalakshmi) was very crucial. It gave me a lot of confidence and I would say it was from then on that I could think of retaining the title.”
But then when did she finally feel that the championship was her own. “Today only,” replied a giggling Padmini. “Even though there were conjectures that I had won the title after I had defeated Vijju in the eighth round, I did not let my guard down. In a tournament of such high standard, one cannot ever do it. I prepared meticulously for every match and now I have the results,” asserted the chess player.
Vijayalakshmi of Air India ended her campaign on a positive note, defeating R Vaishali of PSPB in her final round game. The win took Vijayalakshmi to 7.5 points that was enough for her to win the silver medal ahead of Eesha, who finished third with seven points.
It was in fact a two-way tie for the third place after Soumya Swaminathan went down to Mary Ann Gomes. The latter spoiled Soumya’s party in a fighting last round game.
However, right from the beginning it was a race between Padmini, Vijayalakshmi, Eesha and Soumya and it is in this order that they finished.
The victory also ensured that Padmini will be a part of the Indian women’s team in the next World Team Chess Championships. The eves had qualified by virtue of their performance in the last Chess Olympiad. Two others who have already confirmed their places in the side are Grandmasters Koneru Humpy and Dronavalli Harika.
Final Standings (top five): Padmini Rout (8 points), S Vijayalakshmi (7.5), Eesha Karavade (7), Soumya Swaminathan (7), Mary Ann Gomes (5.5).
PNN & Agencies
