AGENCIES, KARAIKUDI: Goa Carbon Limited Goodwill Ambassador Bhakti Kulkarni (10) annexed the National crown once again as she agreed to a draw with former Olympian Pratyusha Bodda (8) of AP in the eleventh and final round of National Women Championship, concluded here at Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu, on Saturday.
Bhakti who has distinction of winning many International and National titles added one more feather in her cap and will be ranked India No.3 behind GM Koneru Humpy and GM Harika in the International Rating list.
Bhakti now earns a seat in the Indian team for Chess Olympiad.
“I am very much delighted to win this Championship, not because it’s an honour but my level of play,” remarked ever the smiling Margao girl. “I thank Air India, Shriniwas Dempo and Goa Chess Association for supporting me,” Bhakti added.
Bhakti has been invited by All India Chess Federation to 3 top level Grandmaster camps over the next three months. “They will surely help me to prepare for the World Cup next year,” said the Woman Grandmaster.
International Master Sagar Shah has called Bhakti’s performance unprecedented and heaped lot of praise on her play in the nationals.
