JOIN USMary Ann Gomes’ superior tie-break gave her the maiden title and along with a winner’s purse of Rs 75000, after she drew her final round game, taking her tally to 8 points.
Mary Ann Gomes was tied with International Master Eesha Karavade of Maharashtra on 8 points when the latter scored a last-gasp victory over WGM Padmini Rout of Orissa.
“I feel amazing winning my first National women’s championship. It is a completely different experience. I guess, when I think of it, I feel great joy. I dedicate this title to my mother Freda Gomes,” said Mary.
International Master Eesha Karavade scored a surprisingly quick final round victory over Woman Grandmaster Padmini Rout. Karavade ended in second position while Tania Sachdev claimed the third spot.
Final Standings: Mary Ann Gomes (AAI, 8) 1, Eesha Karavade (Mah, 8) 2; Tania Sachdev (AI, 7.5) 3; Nisha Mohota (PSPB, 7) 4; Padmini Rout (Ori, 7) 5; Pratyusha Bodda (AP, 6.5) 6; Meenakshi Subbaraman (IA, 6.5) 7, Sowmya Swaminathan (PSPB, 6.5) 8, Kiran Manisha Mohanty (Ori, 6.5) 9; P Michelle Catherina (TN, 6.5) 10.
Results (final round): Mary Ann drew with Kiran Manisha; Eesha bt Padmini; Tania bt Sai Meera (IB, 6); Nisha bt Chandika Divyasree (AP, 6); Sowmya bt A G Nimmy (Ker, 5.5); Meenakshi bt R Bharathi (TN, 5.5); P Michelle bt Bhakti Kulkarni (Goa, 5.5); Pratyusha bt S Harini (TN, 5).