Bhagyashree in sole lead; Viji wins

LUCKNOW: In a rare coincidence, all the six boards produced decisions in the National ‘A’ women’s chess championship on Wednesday. National B champion and five-time winner Bhagyashree Thipsay proved she has not lost much despite the years on the circuit by outwitting Indian team player Swati Ghate.
The battle-hardened Bhagyashree, representing IDBI, in a bid to regain the A title, got the sole lead with four points after five rounds.The second spot is shared by WGM S Vijayalakshmi and Ghate, who have 3.5 points each to their credit.
Bhagyashree played a pattern that seemed like Greek to Swati. She cleverly adopted the Pelican variation after e4 opening. Swati, who used the Sicilian Kan defence, couldn’t counter her rival.
Results (fifth round): Vijayalakshmi (IA) bt Eesha Karavade (Maha), Bhagyashree Thipsay (IDBI) bt Swati Ghate (LIC), Dronavalli Harika (AP) bt Safira Shanaz (Tamil Nadu), Saheli Dhar Barua (Rlys) lost to Tania Sachdeva (Delhi), Saimeera Ravi (Indian Bank) bt Anupama Gokhale (BPCL), Dolan Champa Bose (Jharkhand) lost to S Meenakshi (IA).
Points positions: WIM B Thipsay 4 pts; Vijayalakshmi, Swati Ghate 3.5 each; Saimeera Ravi 3; Dronavalli Harika, R Aarthie, S Meenakshi 2.5 each; Safira Shanaz, Tania Sachdev 1.5 each; Anupama Gokhale 1; Dolan Champa Bose 0.5 pt.