Goa''s Bhakti gets 1st WGM norm

Panaji, Jan 24 (PTI) Goa''s Bhakti Kulkarni became thefirst Goan to win the Woman Grand Master norm after shefinished second at Marianbad Masters Chess Tournament held inCzech Republic, according to a press release issued by the GoaChess Association.

Bhakti scored 5.5 points out of 9 rounds as she beatMatras Ondrej, Jurek and Bulmaga Irina of CZE and drew withVolodi Viktor and Antipov Milhail of Russia, Mickiewicz Piotrof Poland and Dimitrijeski Boris of Germany.

A brand Ambassador for Carbon Group of Dempo, Bhaktiwas recently awarded the WIM title by FIDE.

The Goa Chess Association said it expects Bhakti wouldcomplete her two other WGM norms and get the WGM title, therelease added.