Mary Ann Gomes

Kozhikode: Fifth seed Mary Ann Gomes of Bengal emerged champion with 7.5 points in the women’s national B chess championship on Friday. In the final round, Mary Ann beat N. Raghavi.

The 14-year-old, a product of The Telegraph Schools’ Championship, is the second from the state to win the title after Saheli Barua.

[A Correspondent adds in Calcutta: When contacted in Kozhikode, an excited Mary Ann said: “Of course, I am thrilled as this is a major tournament, but am also missing The Telegraph meet back home. I am, though, keeping track of the happenings and happy that Bitan is doing so well”.

Mary Ann finished fourth in the Schools’ meet last year.]

N. Vinuthna, with seven points, came second. Defending champion Bhagyashree Thipsay (6.5) finished fourth, following a draw with Swati Mohota (6.5). Bengal’s Swati came eighth.