Laxam wins chess fest in Lanka

Chennai, Jul 12 (UNI) International Master R R Laxman of India scored nine full victories to win the Central Province Chess Festival's International Open at Kandy in Sri Lanka.

According to reports received here today, the Chennai-based 23-year-old Indian Under-25 champion, in the process, notched up his first overseas triumph and gained ELO points from this event.

The 153-player event with a prize money of Rs.1.30 lakh was won by the Chennai player with ease as he won all the nine rounds.

Laxman received the Governor's Trophy from the Governor last night, according to Laxman Wijesuriya, Secretary of the Sri Lankan Chess Federation.

''My toughest game was against Veerawardhane in the seventh round,'' said Laxman.

Seven players from India took part. The second place went to Ramesh Veerawardhane (Sri Lanka) on eight points.

The third place was shared by six players on seven points and it included R V Shandilya (India), Laxman Wijesuriya, D Kurup,R D'Silva, I Palavatte and M Jayawardhane (all Sri Lanka).

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