Exciting Finale Looms at 50th National Women’s Chess Championship in Karaikudi

The 50th National Women’s Chess Championship in Karaikudi is heating up as the competition reaches its climax. With 11 players separated by just half a point, the race for the title is intensifying at Managiri village.

In the tenth round, all the top four boards ended in draws, setting the stage for an exciting final round. Overnight leaders P.V. Nandhidhaa and J Saranya are currently tied at the top with eight points each after their draw in the top board match.

Following closely behind are nine players with 7.5 points, including V Varshini who scored a crucial win over top seed Velpula Sarayu. The competition is fierce as players jostle for position and hope for the leaders to slip up in the final round.

Despite gaining an advantage in the French defense, WGM Nandhidhaa was unable to secure a win against WFM Saranya, resulting in a draw. Similarly, IM Padmini Rout missed a potential endgame opportunity against WIM Sakshi Chitlange, leading to another draw.

The clash between Mary Ann Gomes and Kiran Manisha Mohanty ended in a draw after a dramatic game where Mary sacrificed a rook but Kiran defended well. The battle between Priyanka Nutakki and Priyanka K also ended in a draw, leaving both players on 7.5 points.

With nine players tied at 7.5 points, including Padmini Rout, Mary Ann Gomes, V. Varshini, and others, the final round on Sunday promises to be intense and full of surprises. Stay tuned for the thrilling conclusion of the National Women’s Chess Championship in Karaikudi.