| V. Hariharan of Indian Bank, Chennai, won the
Mount Chess Academy International rating Chess Tournament held at Hilton Matriculation
School, Chrompet, Chennai. There was a three way tie for the top place between Hariharan,
J. Venkataramana (ICF, chennai) and S. Mariarul (Southern Railways). Hariharan emerged
champion due to his superior progressive score.
This eleven round Swiss event with a prize fund of Rs. 25,000/- had a unique configuration
of participants. Two thirds of the total 45 players were rated. This is a new venture and
the composition has been so devised in order that talented but not rated players may
obtain FIDE rating.
The top seed of the tournament was B.
T. Muralikrishnan (S.Rly) with an ELO of 2315. Top players in the city : S. Mari Arul , FM
K. V. Shantaram, former Indian junior No.2 T J Suresh Kumar, former National Sub junior
Champion P. Mahesh Chandran, former National B Champion R. Balasubramaian(ICF), G. V.
Srinivas(S Rly), IM norm holder R.R. Laxman, S. Meenakshi and Sai Meera (Indian Bank)
added strength and colour to the event.
There were surprises in the
initial round itself with the higher-rated Laxman losing to A. V. K. Venkat and as
many as five unrated players holding their rated opponents. While youngsters were getting
bogged down by each other, Veteran V. Hariharan stormed into the lead by scoring an
amazing 6 points from as many rounds. His run was slowed down a bit when he drew with T.
J. Suresh Kumar in the next round. Hariharan drew his next two matches with team mate
Shantaram and S. Meenakshi. This allowed Mari Arul and Venkatarmana to catch up.
In the penultiamte round,
Venkataramana was defeated by Shanatram while Mari Arul won. However, in the final round,
Mari Arul could not manage more than a draw with Shantaram. While Hariharan drew his
game against Natarajan and emerged as the tournament winner. D. V. Sundar - Vice
President, ALL India Chess Federation, gave away the prizes and the newly crowned
National Champion International Master K. Sahikiran was felicitated. |
