Indian National Open Chess Championship for the Blind

Final standings as reported at The Hindu.com: Ashwin emerges champion Tuesday, Mar 03, 2009 BANGALORE: Ashwin K. Makwana of Gujarat emerged champion the in the first ever National open chess championship for the visually challenged which concluded here on Monday. Ashwin topped the board with eight points in nine rounds. In the final game in Nimzo Indian defence, the 25-year-old champion (black) was held to a draw by the 12-year old Sai Krishna of Tamil Nadu in 44 moves. Sai Krishna, who finished with 7.5 points, had the consolation being adjudged the most promising young player of the tournament. Krishna Udupa, Madan Bagyatkar and Sai Krishna tied for the second spot with 7.5 points. But the top seed, Krisna Udupa of Karnataka, finished the runner-up with a better progressive score after being held to a draw by Atul Kakkade of Maharashtra. Madan Bagyatkar of Maharashtra, who overcame overcame a mid-game crisis, to prevail over Saibu of Kerala and was placed third and Sai Krishna took the fourth spot. S. Susheela of Karnataka (four points) received the special award for best woman player. More than 150 players from all over the country, including a few FIDE-rated players participated in the tournament.