Doha chess hero gets rousing reception

Chennai, Dec 16 (UNI) Grand Master Krishnan Sasikiran arrived from Doha to a rousing reception here last night after leading India to the gold in the Asian Games Mixed Team Chess Event.

Sasikiran was the captain of the three-member Indian team along with Pendyala Harikrishna and Koneru Humpy.

Among those who received Sasikiran at the Chennai Airport were Tamil Nadu Chess Association Vice President J C D Prabhakaran and All India Chess Federation (AICF) Secretary D V Sundar.

A large number of people were present to receive the victorious Sasikaran as the flight touched down around 2200 hrs.

Talking to reporters on his arrival from Qatar, an elated Sasikiran said the intensive training camp organised by the AICF at Chennai with GM Lev Psakhis had helped him tremendously.

''As a team we had excellent coordination and it was a crucial factor in the team winning the gold,'' he said.

Asked about the performance in the rapid chess, he said ''by the time I struck form, the event ended.'' UNI GV GM SAM SSC1235