Nigel Short retains Commonwealth chess title

Mumbai, Nov 29 (UNI) Top-seeded and defending champion Nigel Short of England emerged champion for the second successive time in the Commonwealth Chess Championship 2006, which concluded here today with a score of nine out of a maximum of 10 points.

The title was decided immediately in favour of Short at the start of the round, as the two second placed players GM Sandipan Chanda and IM M R Venkatesh agreed for a draw in just eight moves. With this result, even a loss in the last round for Nigel was of no consequence.

However, Short showed his uncompromising fighting attitude by continuing his efforts to bring a result to the game against one of the top Indian GM S S Ganguly.

Short, playing black in a Ruy Lopez opening, took advantage of some uncharacteristic moves by Ganguly to win the game in just 33 moves. Nigel became richer by 2,500 dollars.

The second spot was secured by GM Sandipan Chanda with a score of eight points, while IM M R Venkatesh got his career best performance to finish third.

The Gold medal in the women's section was won by WGM Harika Dronvali with a score of seven points to pocket 500 dollar. Harika, who is the reigning World's Under-18 champion, played very good chess in the company of some of the top Grandmasters.

The prize distribution ceremony was presided over by Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) Managing Director Thomas Mathew.

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