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Journalism of Courage
Mumbai, June 7: Swati Ghate (LIC) defeated former champion Bhagyashree Thipsay (IDBI) in a battle between two International Women Masters (IWMs) to launch the 26th National Women’s Chess championship on a rousing note at Kalyan, 50 kms from here, today.
In a Ruy Lopez game Vijayalakshmi ran into difficulties, extricated herself by sacrificing two minor pieces to gain Saheli’s rook and pawn and then played actively to keep her opponent’s pieces under control. Both players then agreed to a draw.
Another drawn game was played between IWMs Anupama Gokhale (Bharat Petroleum), a former champion, and Pallavi Shah (LIC).
Pallavi, playing black, opened with Benko Gambit – giving up a side pawn for rapid development. Anupama, who has won the crown on five previous occasions but is making a comeback into active chess after a gap, chose a little played line and declined the gambit.
The players refused to take any risks and agreed for a draw when a level position was reached.
In another first-round tie, Neha Singh of Bihar was beaten by Y Pratibha of Tamil Nadu, who played with black pieces, in 34 moves.
In a French Defence Winawer Variation, opposite side castling was resorted to. Neha, with a rating of 2019, tripled her major pieces in the B-file to launch an attack. But Pratibha, with a rating of 2091, defended well and then opened Neha’s kingside to launch the winning foray.
In another first-round tie, 14-year-old Baishakhi Das (Bengal), with a rating of 2135, had the advantage of playing with white pieces against S Sujatha (rating 2000) of Tamil Nadu, but blundered when in a commanding position to get into time trouble and resigned on the 43rd move.
In an all-Tamil Nadu first-round clash, S Meenakshi drew with Safira Shehnaz after 60 moves.
Tamil Nadu’s R Arti, the world under-18 champion, had drawn a bye in the first round.
The top four finishers in the event would gain the right to represent the country in the World Chess Olympiad at Istanbul in October.
