Karthikeyan Murali was given an enthusiastic welcome on Tuesday when he returned home from Brazil after winning the World under-12 chess title.
Among those present to greet him were M. Muthu Kumar, K. Thirukkalathu, both officials in the State Chess Association, and S. Balaraman, secretary, Thiruvallur District Chess Association.
“He has progressed nicely from silver medal in the World Under-10 two years before to win the title this time," noted Velayudham who runs a chess academy in the city.
Speaking to The Hindu , Karthikeyan said the tournament at Caldas Novas went well for him right from the start.
Karthikeyan, who started as the sixth seed, said defeating top seed Aravindh Chithambaram of Madurai was the most important factor.
“I want to become a Grandmaster,” said this 1999-born boy when asked about his aim.
“Yesterday was a memorable day for me when World Champion Viswanathan Anand's mother called me up and congratulated Karthikeyan,” said R. Murali, Karthikeyan's father.
