Neelotpal claims final GM norm in Spain

Kolkata, Apr 17 (UNI) Twenty three-year old Neelotpal Das of Bengal became the country's 14th and latest chess grandmaster when he got his third and final GM norm at the XXIX International Open Chess tournament, which concluded at the city of San Sebastian in Spain, yesterday.

Neelotpal was tied for first place with four other Grandmasters by scoring 7 points in the 9 round tournament, but GM Stuart Conquest of England was declared the champion because of his better tie-break score.

Spain seems to be a happy hunting ground for Neelotpal. He had achieved his two earlier norms at the Sort International Open and at the Benasque International Open, both in Spain in 2005.

Since he already had an Elo rating of 2500+, he becomes a Grandmaster immediately. His title would be ratified by FIDE at their next congress. He is also the fourth grandmaster from Bengal.

Neelotpal learnt his initial moves at Alekhine Chess Club and then graduated to the Goodricke National Chess Academy from where the two other grandmasters of the city Surya Sekhar Ganguly and Sandipan Chanda were also produced.

UNI BA TJP PG RS1933