Deepan Chakkravarthy emerges sole leader

Visakhaptnam, Apr 12 (UNI) Grandmaster Elect Deepan Chakkravarthy of Tamil Nadu emerged the sole leader with 10 points after thirteen rounds posting an easy win over Arun Prasad in the 43rd National 'A' Chess Championship for men here today.

Following Deepan half a point behind are Grandmasters Koneru Humpy and Surya Sekhar Ganguly.

Deepan opted for the English attack against the Siclian Najdorf employed by International Master Arun Prasad of Oil India and wrapped up the game in less than five minutes.

However, GM SS Ganguly, representing Indian Oil Corporations, had to sweat out to down Dinesh Kumar Sharma of LIC in 75 moves.

Meanwhile, joint leader Humpy was suprised by Karnataka's B S Shivanandan and the Andhra Grandmaster had to settle for a draw.

In the women's section, Mary Ann Gomes (8.0) moved closer to leader Swathi Ghate (8.5) with a fine victory over Iswarya Shobana.

In another interesting duel, WGM Meenakshi employed the Benko Gambit against Swati Mohota, held the white king in center with a piece sacrifice and sewed up the game for a fine victory.

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