Varshini upsets Vaishali in national women's premier chess

V. Varshini of Tamil Nadu outwitted world under-14 girls' champion R. Vaishali to take her tally to three points from six rounds in the national women's premier chess Championship here on Thursday.

The second round game, which was postponed as Vaishali had gone to Delhi to receive her award for excellence in chess from President Pranab Mukherjee, was played on Thursday -- otherwise a rest day -- at ICCR.

In a Ruy Lopez opening, Varshini won a piece on the 29th move, by exploiting a pin, after which Vaishali immediately resigned.

Another postponed game between Michelle and Pratyusha Bodda ,which was also played during the day, Michelle obtained two connected passed pawns on the queenside in a Sicilian defence. Michelle mishandled the endgame andA allowed Pratyusha to penetrate her kingside with rook and knight after which her position collapsed.

The 7th round starts on Friday, with Soumya Swaminathan of PSCB in the sole lead with 5 points.

With Swati Ghate and Padmini Rout close on her heels, the next five rounds will see some fierce fight for the top spots in the tournament that has a first prize of Rs 1.75 lakhs and the right to represent India in various international meets.