Date:26/07/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/07/26/stories/2008072654070200.htm

Tamil Nadu - Tiruchi

A dream come true for Jennitha

G. Prasad

Photo: M. Moorthy

GOING PLACES: K. Jennitha Anto. —

TIRUCHI: When K. Jennitha Anto got an e-mail from vice-president of International Physically disabled Chess Association (IPCA) Melnik Galina confirming her selection for the IPCA women’s team for the World Chess Olympiad, the youngster’s joy knew no bounds.

“It was a big surprise and a dream come true for me,” the visibly thrilled 20-year-old says.

The World Chess Olympiad to be held in Dresden (Germany) in November will see participation of some of the best players.

Jennitha finished second in the women’s section at the eighth IPCA World Chess Championship at Poland last year.

According to her father, G. Kanickai Irudaya Raj, the effort has won her a place in the IPCA team for the Dresden championship.

Jennitha will be competing in the general category for the first time in a senior international event.

She had earlier taken part at the World Junior Chess Championship and is very well aware of the high standards at the Olympiad.

“Competing with GM’s and IM’s will be a great experience and I am eagerly looking forward to the tournament,” she says.

Jennitha is trained by Mr. Irudaya Raj, who runs the Aaron Chess Academy here. Once in two months she visits Bangalore, where she practises under the watchful eyes of Raja Ravisekar.

She reads thoroughly books on games played by Bobby Fischer and practises at least three hours a day on her computer.

“With just over three months left for the tournament, I have begun to work hard. I am concentrating on improving my opening game,” she says.

Hopeful that his daughter would give her best at the Olympiad, Mr. Irudaya Raj cites the need for more sponsorship.

“For participating in international tourneys, we definitely need financial assistance,” he says.