Odisha and PSPB International Master Padmini Rout posted back-to-back wins to share the lead with another 21 players after completion of first two rounds of the 47th National Women Chess Championship, which commenced at the International Chess Hall, KIIT University, Bhubaneswar today.

Sixth seed Padmini won her two games against Bindu Saritha K (LIC) and Lakshmi C (TN). Top seed and Tamil Nadu IM R Vaishali also registered comfortable wins. Mrittika Mallick caused the first major upset of the championship, defeating second seed and Goa International Master Bhakti Kulkarni in the opening round.

The nine-round championship, featuring a total of 103 competitors from 23 states and two affiliated units of AICF, is being organised by All Odisha Chess Association (AOCA), under the aegis of All India Chess Federation (AICF).

The week-long championship was inaugurated by KIIS University Vice-Chancellor, Prof Deepak Kumar Behera, in the presence of AICF Joint-Secretaries Ranjan Mohanty and Atul Gupta; AOCA President Govinda Chandra Mohapatra, Secretary Debabrat Bhatta and Treasurer BhabeshMohanty.
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PHOTO: Odisha players at the 47th National Women Chess Championship in Bhubaneswar on 25th February 2022.