Monday, September 11 2006 12:55 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Ahmedabad: International Master Lanka Ravi of Petroleum Sports Promotion Board wins his maiden National 'B' chess title after signing peace with Vikramaditya Kamble of Maharashtra in the 13th and final round.

Ravi, who has raced to 6.5 out of a possible 7 points in the first half of the tournament, scores a crucial victory over Valay Parikh in the ninth round and thereafter four quick draws are enough to fetch him the title.

Earlier in 2000, Ravi, who has a Grandmaster norm to his name, had won the National Rapid title.

Himanshu Sharma of Haryana finishes a creditable second after drawing his last round with G Rohit of Andhra Pradesh.

In his bid to catch Ravi in the final round, Himanshu goes all out for the victory but can manage only a draw.

While Ravi finishes the championship with 10 points out of a possible 13, Himanshu manages 9.5.

Thereafter, there is a tie involving 27 players, which required a tiebreak and Suvrajit Saha of West Bengal, emerges on top.

With 30 berths at stake for the National 'A' championship to be held in Rajkot in December, many top boards again witness short draws, as qualification becomes the priority for players.

The new initiative of 30 qualifiers comes into effect from this year from the earlier 14 spots and the national 'A' will also be a Swiss tournament with 13 rounds with 50 participants.