Final GM norm for Saptarshi

NEW DELHI: International Master Saptarshi Roy Chowdhury of Indian Railways, Kolkata completed his third and final Grand Master Norm in the Six Season Chess Tournament that ended earlier this week (March 22) at the Tulip Hall in Uttara Club, Dhaka.

Needing a draw in the final round, Saptarshi held Dibyendu Barua to a draw to finish on 7/9 and win the 10-player league tournament. He made his first and second norm in 2008 and 2009. He became an International Master in 2004 and has been waiting for this title.

“A dream came true because each and every players has a dream of earning the GM title and I am very happy to earn the final GM norm today (Monday),” Saptarshi told Dhaka newspaper The Daily Star after the game.

Saptarshi, the chubby 28-year old player however still needs to reach 2500 Elo in ratings to get his GM norm as his all-time high rating has been 2469 in April 2009. Presently he will require to add another 50 Elo for that landmark.

Final placings: 1 Saptarshi Roy Chowdhury (Ind) 7/9; 2 Saidali Iuldachev (Uzb) 6.5; 3-4. Dibyendu Barua (Ind), Niaz Murshed (Ban) 5.5 each; 5 C. Praveen Kumar (Ind) 4.5; 6 Sahaj Grover (Ind) 4…10 players.