Despite odds, Jennitha strikes it rich

K Jennitha Anto from Ponmalaipatti, with 90 per cent disability, participated the 17th IPCA tournament held between May 28 and June 5 in which as many as 40 players from 12 countries participated in the tournament which has nine rounds. 

Among the participants, there were five IMs (International Masters) and three WIM (Women International Masters). This was the fifth consecutive gold for Jennitha Anto who scored 6.5 points in nine games with five wins, three draws and one loss. She lost to Sasikanth from Pune in the ninth round. 

An elated Jennitha said: “As soon as I saw the lists of players, I was startled as all were renowned players and slowly gained confidence while playing and finished every match comfortably.” 

“She faced renowned players from Ukraine, Russia and Israel and won against all of them,” said her father Kanikkai Irudhayaraj, a retired teacher who accompanies her to every event.