Viji dummps Humpy

The spotlight of Round 3 was on the game between current champion Vijayalakshmi Subbaraman of Indian Airlines and the 12-year-old world age group champion Koneru Humpy of AP. Viji proved her superiority when she outplayed her rival in Reti Opening in 37 moves. Viji got into the act from the black side on move 11 when she sacrificed a pawn in the Queen-rook file. The current champion improved her position after she used her good bishop toadvantage and won two pawns between moves 26 and 34. Humpy resigned when faced with a mating threat from the Queen and rook.

Swati Ghate, like Humpy, preferred to attack prematurely from the white side of a Sicilian Pelikan against Safira and paid the penalty. On move 15, Swati sacrificed a pawn. Safira kept the pawn and defended accurately. Swati, who could not castle, went for another pawn sacrifice on move 23. Eight moves later, Swati landed in a mating net with the Queen and rooks.

Bhagyashree Thipsay had a fairly comfortable position from the black side of the Caro-Kann Defence against Aarthie Ramaswamy. Bhagyashree, who did well to take the initiative away from white, was, however, in no physical condition to continue as she felt like vomitting and offered a draw after 15 moves to Aarthie.

Third round results: Swati Ghate Mah 2 lost to Safira Shanaz TN 3; Aarthie Ramaswamy TN 1.5 drew with Bhagyashree Thipsay IDBI 2.5; Koneru Humpy AP 1 lost to Vijayalakshmi IA 2; Pallavi Shah Mah0.5 drew with Swati Mohota W Ben 2; Dolan Champa Bose Bih 0 lost to E Sheena Kerala 1; Bindu Saritha LIC 0.5 drew with Meenakshi TN 0.5. Anupama Gokhale PSCB 1.5 Bye.