Koneru Humpy on Cloud 9 after becoming Super GM

Hyderabad, Aug 21 (UNI) Buoyed by the success at Abu Dhabi where she became a Super Grand Master, Chess Champion Koneru Humpy is determined to win many laurels for the country.

After creating history by overtaking the 2600 ELO mark which fetched her the Super GM status, a smiling Humpy attributed her success to her father-cum-coach Koneru Ashok who recently got the Dronacharya Award.

Humpy, who arrived here from Abu Dhabi with her dad, told UNI, ''I am happy that my long wait is over and that I achieved the Super GM status by crossing 2600 ELO rating at Abu Dhabi.'' ''At one stage, I had doubts in my mind after I lost to Tejas Bakre. But thereafter, I developed a winning streak, especially in the final round, defeating top seed and GM Miroshnichenko Evgenij of Ukraine, which made it possible,'' she added.

''From 2598 before the start of the tournament, I have reached 2604 now. The credit for it goes to my father Koneru Ashok without whose dedication I would not have reached this level today.'' The proud father, who himself is a former chess player, is doubly happy with Humpy achieving new status after getting the Dronacharya Award.

Speaking to UNI, he said, ''My dedication and hard work has not gone waste. There were hard times after Humpy lost sponsorship. But I knew one day my hard work will bear fruit.'' ''The day has come now. We have overcome all the problems. I also thank the Union Government for the Dronacharya Award. It is a recognition of my sincere efforts.'' Ashok will receive Dronacharya Award from President Pratibha Patil on August 29, the National Sports Day.

Humpy is the second woman in the history of Chess to attain this level after GM Judith Polgar of Hungary. Incidentally, these two women were sharing the World no 1 and 2 ranks for the past few years.

Humpy gained 31 points in her last three outings at Kaupthing International, Luxembourg, HSG Open Netherlands and Abu Dhabi Tournament.

She first hit the headlines ten years ago by winning the world title for under-10 girls. She then kept on winning chess titles, including under 12, 14 and Junior World titles, besides Asian Women's Championship, Commonwealth and British Ladies Championships.

Humpy has created a unique record of becoming the youngest woman ever to become a GM which she achieved in 15 years, 1 month, 27 days, beating Judit Polgar's previous record by 3 months.

Most of her success came in the super strong North Urals Women's Tournament. She made the country proud by winning two gold medals in Doha Asian Games in 2006.

She was recently conferred with Padmashree Award for her outstanding performances.

UNI