Goa's Woman Grand Master Bhakti Kulkarni emerged runner-up at the 44th National Women Premier Chess Championship in Gujarat, on Wednesday.
PANAJI
Bhakti drew with Ghosh Samriddhaa in her last round match to finish on seven points, and clinch the second position. International Master Padmini Rout beat Woman International Master (WIM) Chitlange Sakshi in the final round, to win the national title.
"The competition here was very tough but I'm happy to be in the top three. My hard work paid off and I would like to thank the Goa Chess Association (GCA) for their constant support and my parents for their belief in me," said a jubilant Bhakti.
Seeded fourth in the tournament, Bhakti defeated Pandey Srishti, WGM Mary Ann Gomes, WIM C Sakshi, WGM Soumya Swaminathan and drew with Nandhidhaa PV, WGM Kiran Manisha, Bala K and WGM Swati Ghate and the winner International Master (IM) Padmini Rout. She lost against WGM Meenakshi Subbaraman.
Goa Chess Association President Nilesh Cabral praised Bhakti, saying: "We are proud of her feat. It's not easy to excel at the premier tournament but Bhakti has been doing it with ease. She has been an inspiration to many youngsters. We wish her good luck,"
All India Chess Federation treasurer, Kishor Bandekar said: "Bhakti has been working very hard and her efforts have been rewarded. It's not only an achievement for her but also means a lot to us. The association and members would like to congratulate her on her success."
