Team Herald
PANJIM: Goa’s Shriya Patil secured 4th place in the U-7 National Girls Chess Championship, organised by Andra Pradesh Chess Association, at Vijaywada, Andra Pradesh, recently.
Coming from her 101th seed, Shriya won her last round match against Tashna and scored 8.5 points out of 11 rounds. She missed the bronze medal due to lower tie-breaker against Arshiya Das of Tripura, who scored 8.5 points with better tie-breaker.
Shriya fell short by just a point in her bid to clinch her first National title as Hatvalne Swarali of Maharashtra became champion with 9.5 points.
Earlier Shriya Patil defeated Hridika Das, Jesslyn Jinisha, Nysha Vhatwar,Yadvithi MH, Krisha Jodhawat, Trisha Jagtap and drew with Devaka Nandana.
Shriya, who started playing chess at the age of 3.5 years, had secured 14th position in the U-7 girls National in 2016. “As a parent I feel that her hard work, dedication and love for the sport have given her success. With due support from GCA and SAG, the young talents from Goa can achieve success in many national and international tournaments,” said Poonam Patil, Shriya’s mother.
“The constant contribution provided by the Brain Power Chess Academy has helped her to excel in the sport,” she added. Shriya had earlier clinched bronze at the National School Games held in Nagpur in January 2017.
“Shriya is hardworking child and she obeys all the instructions. She has the calibre to achieve more,” said Samson, Shriya’s coach. The State chess association heads congratulated Shriya on her success.
“We are very proud of her achievement. The Goa Chess Association congratulates Shriya Patil. She had a slow start, but she fought gallantly till the end. But overall a great result for Goa and our association,” said GCA President Nilesh Cabral.
All India Chess Federation Treasurer Kishor Bandekar also congratulated the young girl for her success.
“Shriya missed the medal by a narrow margin, but we are happy for her performance. She has not only made us proud but has set an example to other players of our association. We have another player in making. Missed top three finish this time, but surely she will be there at top soon,” said Kishor Bandekar.
