On her way to the top, the Goan lass outwitted GM Branko Tadich (runner-up) and International Master Milos Stankovich(third). GM Josimovich of Makedonia extended an invitation to Bhakti to one of the strongest tournament of Europe - The Korpus Open to be held in April,2016.
The Goan Network
MARGAO
Woman Grand Master and Goodwill Ambassador for Goa Carbon Ltd, Bhakti
Kulkarni of Goa bagged the first prize in an International Blitz Chess
Tournament in the historic city of Novi Sad last week. She outwitted
Grand Master Branko Tadich(runner-up) and International Master
Milos Stankovich(third) among other luminaries.
With this victory, Bhakti who was fourth behind three Chinese super
stars in Asian Women Blitz Championship may increase her standings
from 84th in the world. "I shall be in top 50-hopefully," added the
champion of speed chess.
Top four players from the tournament qualified for the finals played
at 3 minutes for each player. Every move automatically added 2 seconds
in a player's clock. In the breathtaking fast placed final, Bhakti
outwitted veteran GM Tadich by employing World Champion Anand's pet
line in Catalan defence. Then she sealed her first place by
overwhelming International Master Stankovich from White side of Slav
Defence.
The chief guest for the function, Grand Master Sinisa Drazich was all
praise for the Goan lass. He said that it was unbelievable that a girl
could outwit all these veterans of speed chess. GM Josimovich of
Makedonia extended an invitation to Bhakti to one of the strongest
tournament of Europe - The Korpus Open to be held in April,2016.
Bhakti left directly from Novi Sad to Kolkata where she will represent
Goa in the National Woman Premier Championship from today.
