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India's growing stature in international chess was once again evident at the National Library as R Vaishali, on Sunday clinched the first-ever women's blitz champion at the Tata Steel Chess in Kolkata, finishing with 13.5 points out of 18 rounds in the event.
Meanwhile, Arjun Erigaisi bagged the Blitz title finishing ahead of the Hikaru Nakaumura on the concluding day of the Tata Steel Chess India, Vaishali was placed second at the end of the first day after nine rounds. Despite trailing behind Mariya Muzychuk by one point, Vaishali turned the table and secured comfortable win.
The Tamil Nadu prodigy brought the best game as she snatched the lead of the tournament during the penultimate game. While the Indian needed just a draw in her final game to win the title, Vaishali ensured a smooth sail to the title. Muzychuk finished second with 12 points - a massive 1.5 points behind the Indian.
Meanwhile, Erigaisi finished with 12.5 points, ahead of the American wizard after cinching the issue in the penultimate round with a splendid comeback. He drew his final game with fellow youngster Nihal Sarin and finished on top with a one-point margin.
Veteran Dronavalli Harika ensured a double podium for India scoring 11/18 as the recently turned mother had finished in the same position earlier in the women's rapid section as well. Among other Indians with clinical performance in the competition, Koneru Humpy finished fifth with 9.5/18, the young Savita Shri finished eighth with 6.5 points and the recent Arjuna awardee Bhakti Kulkarni pushed back at 10th position with just 4 points.
Standings
Men: 1. Arjun; 2. Hikaru Nakamura; 3. Mamedyarov; 4-5. Parham and Vidit; 6. Praggnanandhaa; 7-8. Nihal Sarin; 9. Abdusattorov; 10. Gukesh.
Women: 1. Vaishali; 2. Mariya Muzychuk; 3. Harika; 4. Anna Muzychuk; 5. Humpy; 6-7. Ushenina and Dzagnidze; 8. Savitha; 9. Kiolbasa; 10. Bhakti