BHUBANESWAR 14-Nov-2016
Odisha International Master (IM) Padmini Rout achieved a glorious hat-trick by winning the National Women Premier chess title for the third successive time today. An employee of Indian Oil Corporation, Padmini achieved the feat in the 43rd edition of the championship, which was held at Punjab Bhawan in New Delhi from Nov 3 to 14, 2016.
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. ``This is indeed an incredible moment for me. I have worked very hard for this event and now it has paid off,’’ she said.
Staying unbeaten, Padmini won five games and drew the rest six. She defeated Pratyusha Boda, R Vaishali, Swati Ghate, Nisha Mohota, S Vijayalakshmi and split point with Kiran Manisha Mohanty, Soumya Swaminathan, M Mahalakshmi, Kannamma P Bala, Mary Ann Gomes, Eesha Karavade.
Vijayalakshmi of Air India won the silver medal with 7.5 points, while Karavade (PSPB) finished third with seven points. The title triumph 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 RANKINGS: 1. IM Padmini Rout (8 points), 2. IM S Vijayalakshmi (7.5), 3. IM Eesha Karavade (7), 4. WGM Soumya Swaminathan (7), 5. WGM Mary Ann Gomes (5.5), 6. WIM M Mahalakshmi (5), 7. IM Nisha Mohota (5), 8. Kannamma P Bala (5), 9. WGM Swati Ghate (5), 10. WGM Kiran Manisha Mohanty (4.5), 11. WIM R Vaishali (3.5), 12. WIM Pratyusha Boda (3.5).
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PHOTO: Padmini Rout with her National Premier trophy in New Delhi on Nov 14, 2016.
