“I got a tremendous attack and she had to concede weak black squares,” said Swat after the game. Swati Ghate, who won the Premier National 10 years ago, is happy with her institution (LIC), which allows her leave and promotes chess. “Of course, PSPB (Petroleum) is the best in the business,” says Swati with a smile. Swati is in awe of Vijayalakshmi’s come-back form this year. “It is amazing how coolly she crushes her opposition,” remarks the former champion, who feels the strength of the Challengers has gone up in recent years. 

“To survive in this field is difficult,” laughs Swati. Swati finished fourth in the Premier National last year. “In the last four years, there were two or three instances when I needed only a draw to stay in the hunt for title but things went wrong,” recalls Swati. But now that only the champion in the premier event will get to play for the country in Olympiad or Asian team championship directly, Swat says she picks and chooses her tournaments. “Otherwise, everything is decided on ratings,” adds the Woman Grandmaster.

TOPBOARD RESULTS OF CHALLENGERS (Round 9): 

R Vaishali (TN) 7 drew with Vijayalakshmi S (AI) 7.5; Swati Ghate (LIC) 7.5 bt M Mahalakshmi (TN) 6; Michelle Catherina (AI) 7 bt Tarini Goyal (Chan) 6; Arpita Mukherjee (W Bengal) 6.5 drew with Kiran Manisha Mohanty (LIC 6.5); Eesha Karavade (PSPB) 6 drew with  Bala Kannamma (TN) 6.5; Soumya Swaminathan (PSPB) 6.5 bt J Saranya (TN) 5.5; Mary Ann Gomes (PSPB)  6 drew with Sakshi Chitlange (Mah) 6.