Padmini, J Mohana joint leaders in girls u-13 chess nationals

Mumbai, Jan 15 (UNI) At the end of eighth round, top seed Padmini Rout of Orissa and J Mohana Priya of Tamil Nadu moved into joint lead in the National U-13 Girls Chess Championship, organised by Bombay Chess Association at the Andheri Sports complex here today.

Shalmali Gagre of Maharashtra is at second spot along with six others.

On the first board K Sai Nirupama of Andhra Pradesh fought a tough battle with Padmini Rout. The game was evenly poised till the middle game. In the end game Padmini made some brilliant moves of her rook and won a pawn and ultimately won the game in 61 moves.

On the second board J Mohana Priya of Tamil Nadu started her game with Queen's Indian Defence against her state mate J Sahari. J Sahari accepted her defeat in just 22 moves because of time trouble.

Another important game, between Shati Majumdar of West Bengal and Shalmali Gagare of Maharashtra started in Caro-Can Defence. In the tough fought game which went till 4.5 hours Shalmali, made some brilliant Knight maneuver and got the edge on the board. But in the end game since the position was equal both agreed for a draw.

UNI GS RN RKM RN1933