BHUBANESWAR 09-Jan-2007 64
Orissa’s only Women International Master Kiran Manisha Mohanty added one more feather to her cap by winning the title in the Under-17 Girls National Chess Championship at Kozhikode today. In the nine-round tournament, Kiran (7.5) clinched the crown with a round to spare.
She was held to a draw in the eighth round by S Harini of Tamil Nadu (5.5). Orissa, however, suffered a setback as reigning Asian under-12 champion Padmini Rout was beaten by Sita Litchumi (TN). Padmini now has 4.5 points.
This was 16-year-old Kiran’s second National title of her career. She claimed the National under-14 girls’ rapid title four years ago. ‘‘Hard work helped me win this title,’’ city lass Kiran told this paper over telephone. She also gave credit to coach Niraj Kumar Mishra and her parents for the success. ‘‘I am also thankful to chess lovers of Orissa, whose good wishes encouraged me to put up my best performance,’’ she added.
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