Tags:
Journalism of Courage
KOZHIKODE, JUNE 24: Safira Shanaz, free from the tension of her final engineering degree examinations of Anna Univeristy, Chennai, gave a fine exhibition of her defensive skills when she wore out former National junior girls champion and one of the favourites here, Sawti Ghate of Maharashtra, in the third round of the 25th National Women A Chess Championship today.
Her third straight win put Safira Shanaz in sole lead with three points, half a point above Bhagyashree Thipsay of IDBI, who collected 2.5 points after her third round draw with Aarthie Ramaswamy of TN.
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.
