It was a moment to cherish for the city’s chess fraternity as young Potluri Supreetha won her second Asian title at Mashhad (Iran) on Thursday night. She pocketed a silver medal in Asian Youth under-13 rapid chess championship by hauling 5.5 points.
Supreetha (Elo rating 1646) drew her last game with her fellow-Vijayawada player World under-10 champion Nuttaki Priyanka to achieve the podium finish. The only game she lost was against the ultimate champion from China - Yang Yijing.
Earlier, the 11-year-old student of Viswa Bharathi English Medium School won her maiden Asian title when she clinched the gold medal in the Asian School Games in 2012. “Her next destination will be Dubai where she will represent India in the World under-13 championship in December,” said her coach V. R. Bobba.
A trainee of Mustabada Sports and Educational Society, Supreetha is labelled as a player who takes no risks. “She is a consistent player and plays solid chess. As she grows she will learn the intricacies of the game better,” felt Global Chess Academy chief coach Khasim.
Chess is not in the family background of Supreetha and her father takes care of agriculture in Nuzvid. What started off as a hobby went on to become an obsession for the young girl. Her mother gave up her job to concentrate on Supreetha’s fledgling career.
She spends around five hours honing her skills everyday. “Her middle and endgames are encouraging. She needs to master the technique of finishing the game within the allotted time,” felt her coach.
