CHENNAI: Srija Seshadri from Neyveli won the Asian U-12 chess title jointly with compatriot G K Monnisha at New Delhi on Saturday. There was a two-way tie for first spot between the Indians, both securing 6.5 points in nine rounds.
Srija’s success can be attributed to hard-work, talent and support from her family and school. Srija is thrilled with the victory and believes that it will encourage her to perform better.
“She showed lots of interest in chess and started winning age-group tournaments. Her win in an age-group event at Coimbatore in 2006 was
the turning point. We encouraged her to take up the game. Our faith has paid rich dividends,” said Srija’s mother Geetha.
Srija, a class VII student of Jawahar Higher Secondary School, is a member of Neyveli Chess Club. She trains regularly and is coached by FIDE Master A Pavanasam. “Srija is good at studies and regularly scores over 90 per cent. She prepared only one week for the tournament. But she concentrated and worked hard,” said Geetha.