The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh / Hyderabad News : Chess champ's classic move

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Wednesday, Sep 27, 2006
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

Chess champ's classic move

Staff Reporter

Surprise was in store for Pentyala Harikrishna when he played against 20 visually challenged students simultaneously

HYDERABAD: If Pentyala Harikrishna thought it would be just another stroll in the park, then he was in for a pleasant surprise.

Well, the reigning World junior rapid chess champion was visibly delighted at the fact that the selected 20 visually challenged players, who engaged him in simultaneous chess, did lay some `traps' on their specially designed chess boards.

Harikrishna paid a handsome compliment straightaway. "Honestly I never thought they would be such good chess players," he told The Hindu taking a break from the two-hour display. For the students of Devnar School for the Blind, who only a couple of weeks ago, had played against Koneru Humpy, it was yet another memorable experience.

"I always wanted to play against Hari," said Udaysri, a Class 8 student. "Initially I thought it would be pretty easy. But I was taken aback by their wonderful aptitude for the game," said Harikrishna. The students also posed some queries..

"It was a touching experience and I am privileged to be here," Harikrishna remarked.

The best part was that Harikrishna promised to be back whenever he finds time to train these `talented youngsters'.

"I am confident with better coaching and guidance, there can be couple of really good players from here," Harikrishna said even while the school chess coach P. Ravindra was helping out the students.

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