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Chess cubs applying thought
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Former Soviet Grandmaster Evgeny Vladimirov, who was once part of the famous Garry Kasparov team, is carrying forward Wipro's credo in his simple coaching ways.
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Priyadarshini, watched by Deepan and Rahul, analyses a game with the help of the computer at the Wipro chess camp in Bangalore.
HE'S BACK and he's making seven young chess players live their lives by Wipro's credo "Applying Thought". Evgeny Vladimirov, the Grand Master from Kazakhistan, who was once World Champion Garry Kasparov's trainer is currently in the City putting upcoming chess players adopted by Wipro through their paces at its corporate office in the City.
Vladimirov had started off imparting his playing skills to two talented youngsters, P. Harikrishna and Aarthie Ramaswamy two years ago. With the success of these two, Wipro decided to increase its sponsorship and five others have been inducted into the coaching programme being run by him. The newcomers signed on this year are Deepan Chakravarthy from Tamil Nadu, Eesha Karvade from Maharashtra, Rahul Sangma from Bihar, M. Priyadarshini from Tamil Nadu, and Dronavalli Harika from Andhra Pradesh.
Vladimirov at the outset stated he was happy to be part of the Wipro coaching programme. "I feel that the chess wave is just getting going through the country and Wipro's support is commendable. I am particularly happy with Harikrishna and Aarthie's success and hope that the new lot of five emulate their colleagues in the training programme."
Vladimirov has a simple structure for his coaching programme. He has studied the past games of the trainees and identified strengths as well as areas for correction. "My programme is simple and it is the details of the players' games that are important," he said. "We have group classes as well as individual classes. These classes are followed by some homework which is tough and mentally challenging," he averred. "We also analyse some unique games and this helps the players respond to situations in match play," he added.
Vladimirov is from the old Soviet Chess School, which used to emphasise on fundamental preparation. The school had some set principles, which he has adapted while training the present lot at Wipro's office here. "The Soviet Union does not exist any more but at least traces of Soviet Chess Schools remain," he said ruefully.
Evgeny Vladimirov helps Priyadarshini understand the position during a chess game at the camp organised by Wipro. Deepan Chakravarthy (behind Evgeny) and Rahul Sangma watch with rapt attention.
The coach from Kazakhistan closely watches the youngsters' style and taste of play. "I advise them to develop their own style and we go through a number of opening moves and end play distinctive to their styles. With the use of the computer too we work out the best possible moves and this I hope give the children inputs for practical use," stated Vladimirov.
Speaking on the progress of chess in India, he felt that over the past two years there has been a tremendous upswing. "I don't think it can all be attributed to Vishwanathan Anand's success. I think it is also because parents in India now are encouraging children to play games other than cricket. While chess schools in the former Soviet Union have dwindled for economic reasons, there has been a steady increase in India," he felt.
Vladimirov, who was involved with the selection process of the trainees, ,has great hopes for the youngsters. Here is a thumbnail sketch of the youngsters who are being sponsored by Wipro from this year.
Rahul Sangma began playing chess in his hometown Chapra District at the age of eight. Within a year, he placed fifth in the National U-9 chess tournament and thanks to chess has been abroad to play in the World U-10 tournament at Spain where he received the award for the fair play trophy. Rahul's elo rating currently is 2201 and he has bagged the U-14 title two years ago.
Along with Rahul, Deepan Chakravarthy was inducted as trainee this year. Deepan who triumphed at the Asian Junior tournament at Marawila, Sri Lanka this year beating a number of higher rated players also was bestowed with the International Master title.
Deepan's cousin sister Priyadarshini is also amongst the players being tutored by Evgeny. As a six year-old Priyadarshini won a State title at Madurai and has been winning State titles in Tamil Nadu (Madurai 1994 & 1998 & Chennai 1995) Priyadarshini has also annexed a number of National Titles (1995, 1996, 2000) and has the distinction of winning an international title (Bikaner 2001). Priyadarshini's elo rating is 2193.
Dronavalli Harika has made a mark as a rapid chess player. With a fine showing on the international level (sliver medals in world sub-junior u-10 @ Spain and Asian U-12 girls @ Bikaner) she also dominates the National scene. Harika has also performed well competing with boys and has toppled older and more experienced players. Harika's elo rating is 2224 and has her Woman Masters norm.
Among the new players adopted by Wipro is Eesha Karvade, the 14-year-old from Maharashtra. Playing since the age of nine, Eesha bagged the under-12 Open at Sangli. Her best achievement so far has been winning gold at the British Championship and Silvers at 1999 Asian and 2000 Commonwealth games. She also has a bronze at the Asian U-18 championship. Her victory over IWM Anupama Gokhale at Lucknow and upset win over Jayant Gokhale at Raipur ranks amongst here memorable matches. Eesha's elo rating is 2160.
D. RAVI SHANKAR
Photos: Sampath Kumar G.P.
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