Date:14/02/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/02/14/stories/2007021401430200.htm

Tamil Nadu - Tiruchi

It is a golden team, indeed!

G. Prasad

R. Aparna. — PHOTO: R.M. RAJARATHINAM.

TIRUCHI: R. Aparna, a Standard XI student of Arockiamatha Matriculation Higher Secondary School, Tiruchi, was part of the Tamil Nadu team that bagged gold in chess in under-19 section at the 52nd National School Games, conducted by the School Games Federation of India, in Tirupathi recently.

They scored a total of 17 points from five rounds in the tournament, which featured teams from 16 States all over the country. The four-member team - Aparna, M. Rajadarshini and A. Seethalakshmi both of Madurai, P.K. Jayashree of Salem - have qualified for World School Games to be held at Czechoslovakia later this year.

Aparna, who was earlier trained by Venkatraman and A.P. Chandrasekar, now practices under the watchful eyes of S. Manikandaswamy. Having won a couple of State-level competitions, she has also participated in the Asian junior girls chess championship held at New Delhi and Commonwealth chess championship in Mumbai. "Aparna has to concentrate more on her middle game and should participate in tournaments regularly, which would help her gain exposure," says Mr. Manikandaswamy.

The Principal and Correspondent of the school, Rev. Fr. S. Baskaran, the president of Tiruchi District Chess Association, G.G. Anantharaja and the secretary, C. Lesunathan, commended the efforts of the youngster.