Mary Ann Gomes wins first National chess crown

Mary Ann Gomes wins maiden National chess crown
November 09, 2011 16:09 IST

Woman Grandmaster Mary Ann Gomes won her maiden national title after drawing her final round game against WGM Kiran Manisha Mohanty, in the Velammal 38th National Women’s Premier Chess Championship, which concluded in Chennai on Wednesday.

Gomes’s superior tie-break gave her the title and the winner’s purse of Rs 75,000, the final round draw swelling her tally to eight points. She was tied with International Master Eesha Karavade of Maharashtra [ Images ] on eight points after the latter scored a last-gasp victory over Woman Grandmaster Padmini Rout of Orissa.

“I feel amazing winning my first National Women’s Premier Championship. It is a completely different experience. I guess, when I think of it, I feel great joy. I dedicate this title to my mother, Freda Gomes,” said Gomaes.

International Master Eesha Karavade scored a surprisingly quick final round victory over Woman Grandmaster Padmini Rout.

The Grunfeld game saw white wresting the advantage early, and a rook for minor piece sacrifice by Padmini did not improve her position.

Further intrusions into black’s kingside by Eesha’s queen and double rooks decided the issue in 32 moves.

The win took Eesha on top of the table with eight points. This third seed from Pune, came up with a remarkable show in the second half, taking the runners-up spot ahead of top seed Tania Sachdev.

Full article here.