Date:04/11/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/11/04/stories/2007110455010600.htm

Andhra Pradesh

Harika strikes it rich in Macau

V. V. Subrahmanyam

Dronavalli Harika

HYDERABAD: For 17-year-old Dronavalli Harika, it was a dream finish in the Asian Indoor Games in Macau as the Guntur chess prodigy returned with a stunning tally of five medals – two gold, two silver and one bronze – to be the clearly the dominant player from India in chess.

The Woman Grandmaster, still struggling to find a sponsor, bagged gold in the team rapid event, individual rapid, besides silver in team classical and the team blitz championship. She also picked up a bronze in the individual classical event.

Right timing

Harika (ELO 2480) feels that the win could not have come at a more appropriate time as she would be going straight to Pune to compete in the prestigious National ‘A’ championship from November 5 to 15.

Incidentally, World No.2 Koneru Humpy from Vijayawada, was also the architect of India’s impressive showing in the chess championship in the Macau Indoor Games. But what really pleased Harika is that she emerged the biggest winner of all in the girls section with Humpy finishing with two gold and two silver.

In the men’s section, Krishnan Sasikiran was star performer with three gold and two silver.

A performance which clearly demonstrated Harika’s amazing commitment and dedication and her single-minded pursuit in search of excellence despite facing all odds. “I cannot expect a better showing at this level,” said a delighted Harika.