Indian teen wins US Junior Open Chess title

New Delhi, July 25 (UNI) Thirteen-year-old chess prodigy Gauri Shankar created history in USA by winning the 2006 US Junior Open Under-15 Chess Championship at Texas.

Gauri won the title with a clean slate, scoring 5.5 out of a possible six, according to information received here today.

An eighth grade student in Good Shepherd International School, Ooty, Gauri has been receiving full scholarship for his academic studies.

Gauri holds the record for the only player with a hat-trick in the British junior chess championship. Last month, he had won the Chicago International Open title in the Adult Class 'A' Section.

Gauri's elder brother, 15-year-old Arjun Vishnuvardhan has also made his name in the game and the latter became the youngest national chess champion in Masters-Open section in the US National Game 60 chess championship last month.

Currently seeking sponsors to fund the cost of his participation in overseas tournament, Gauri hopes to advance with support from all quarters.

UNI AY YA PM1909