Women's Chess: Rout completes title hat-trick

International Master Padmini Rout played out a hard-fought draw with PSPB team mate Eesha Karavade to secure a title hat-trick in the national womens’ premier chess championship that concluded in the capital on Monday.

Ending her tally on eight points from 11 games, Padmini put an end to a series of mediocre performances that saw her rating go down by over 70 points. The Odisha girl was at the top of her game right through and did not face any great challenge in her quest for gold. GM-elect S. Vijayalakshmi of Air India ended on a positive note defeating R. Vaishali of PSPB in the final round. The last game to end in the tournament, it took Vijayalakshmi to 7.5 points, enough for the silver medal ahead of Eesha.

It was in fact a two-way tie for third place after Soumya Swaminathan went down to Mary Ann Gomes. The latter spoiled Soumya’s party in a fighting last round game.

Right from the beginning it was a race between Padmini, Vijayalakshmi, Eesha and Soumya. Mary Ann was a distant fifth on 5.5 points despite beating Soumya in the final round.

Another notable gainer in the championship was P. Bala Kannamma of Tamil Nadu who started as the lowest seed but troubled many of the top stars. A last round victory over Andhra girl Pratyusha Bodda ensured a Women International Master norm for Bala Kannamma.

The victory ensured that Padmini will be a part of the team in the next world team chess championship for which Indias’ eves qualified by virtue of their performance in the last Chess Olympiad.

The other two confirmed members of the team are Grandmasters Koneru Humpy and D. Harika while the remaining two places will be decided probably according to the February rating list.