Bhakti Gets Her First Norm of Woman Grandmaster (WGM)
International Woman master and Goa Carbon Limited's Brand Ambassador Bhakti Kulkarni added one more feather in her ever growing success cap when she won Woman Grand Master norm and second Prize in the Merianbad Open Chess Championship in Czech Republic today. In an exclusive tournament of seven nations, Bhakti scored 6 points out of possible 9 rounds.
Bhakti defeated International Master Volodin(Russia),International Master Jossef Jurek (Czech Republic) to set up final round clash with International Woman Master Irina Bulmaga (Roumania). In a must win situation, Bhakti played like a true Champion and defeated her fancied opponent by using Philidor's Defence.
"I needed just one point out of last two rounds and was facing the lowest rated Player Oliver Zier (Germany) in the penultimate round. Everybody expected me to win easily as I had defeated top players but Zier played very well and beat me. Now I was on the verge of losing the golden opportunity of a well earned norm. But my coach Gokhale sir said that just forget about the norm and play your own game," remembered Bhakti.
The rest is a history. Bhakti played like a wounded tigress,sacrificed her Queen against the stunned Roumanian. With a large gathering of spectators hovering over the board, Bhakti played a series of brilliant moves to crown her attack. " At that moment of victory, I remembered my parents who were waiting eagerly in Goa and must be praying for a miracle," Bhakti said from Merianske Lazne where she had to fight not only the well prepared opponents but a biting cold in minus temperatures,too.
Bhakti now moves on to Hungary where she is invited to play in two Master tournaments. The Goa Chess Association President Ashesh Keni and Secretary Arvind Mhamal congratulated Bhakti on her stupendous achievements. Bhakti needs two more norms to become International Woman Grandmaster. "With so many sports lovers like Mr.Sriniwas Dempo supporting me, I am confident to complete the title very soon," said Bhakti exuding confidence.
SMS Bhakti at +44 7942850945. Asian Under 18 Girls Chess Champion, International Woman Master, Goa,India. Source: BK Goanet Sports
