Fresh from her Asian Junior triumph in Colombo, Woman International Master Padmini Rout of Orissa wants to qualify for National A Chess Championship, something that has never been achieved by any woman from her State.
The 15-year-old, who has an Elo rating of 2243 points, is currently taking part in the National B Chess Championship at Town Hall here in her mission towards achieving her immediate target.
Top 30 players from the National B will qualify for the National A Championship and they will fight it out with eight GMs for a place in the India squad.
“India’s top IMs are taking part here so the contest is going to be really tough. But my preparation has been very good this time around. After my success in Sri Lanka, I played three norm tournaments in the Netherlands and I am confident of a good show here,” Padmini said.
“Getting to win the title is a big dream but I am looking forward to finish within top 30,” the number one woman chess player from Orissa said.
Padmini, who did not perform well last time in the same tournament, said she was better prepared this time around.
“I am more confident now. I had good match practices and I hope to do well. Very few from Orissa have made it there (National B) so it will really be a big moment,” Padmini, who recently got Eklabya Award, said.