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 22-year-old Women International Master Pallavi Shah from Kolhapur won the Asian Zonal Women's Chess Champion
title at the picturesque Hotel Airport Garden, Colombo, Sri Lanka. The
title is the biggest of her career to date, and she romped home with a score of 7.5 points from nine rounds. On way to the title, Pallavi scalped the top three Indians, WGM Vijayalakshmi, WIM Meenakshi and WIM Swati Ghate. Feeling on top of the world, Pallavi Shah spoke at length in an exclusive interview to
Chathurangam on Sunday 13th May 2001, barely an hour after completing
the stunning feat.
Q : Congrats on your great show here in Colombo, winning the
Asian Women Zonal Champion title !!
A Thank you !! I never dreamt that I'll come first.
I just played and enjoyed doing it, and I think it helps sometimes.
 Q
: Whom do you dedicate this victory to ?
A To my parents, Dr Gunvant Shah and Dr Minal Shah, naturally. But for them, it could have never been what it is. It is because of my father that I continue playing, and my mother has always been in the background giving silent moral support.
Q : On your preparation for this event !!
A This is the first tournament that I play after the Istanbul Olympiad last October and it was quite a long break. I had no special preparation and was studying for my exam which ran until the end of April 2001.
 Q
: How does a place in World Championship cycle for the zonal champion sound to you ?
A The victory is yet to sink into me and let me take it as it comes.
Q : It being your first tournament under the new time control, how did you manage the change ?
A I didn't have any problem at all. I generally play fast and play my natural game.
Q : What are your plans for the forthcoming Women's National "A" at New Delhi ?
 A I can see that more will be expected of me, and hope to do well.
Q : We wish you good luck for the New Delhi Nationals !!
A Thank you very much !! |
