Mysuru teen wins gold in World Amateur Chess tournament

Mysuru: SN Jatin, a class X student from the city, has won the gold medal at the World Amateur Chess Championships 2016 held in Halkidiki, Greece, April 18 to 28.
While the 15-year-old Jatin won in the U-1700 category, his coach MP Ajith, 29, came second in the U-2000 category.
Jatin, with a rating of 1575, won eight of the nine matches in the tournament and drew one, pocketing 8.5 points.He was in his peak form after winning bronze medal in the national school chess championship held in Nagpur.
Jatin, a class X student of JSS Public School, SJCE Campus, started playing chess when he was in class 2. "Before coming to this event, I was very positive in my approach, which helped me to win the title. My aim is become an International Master. I will strive hard to achieve the feat. I want to thank my coach Ajith and my parents who are always with me motivating and encouraging me," he said.
As he won bronze in the national school competition, Jatin will be representing the country in the Asian School Championship to be held in Iran in June. Later, he will also take part in the Commonwealth chess championships.
His parents, SL Nagabhushan and Amsavani who stay in Yadavagiri, said, "We feel great about his achievement. We will encourage him further and let him bring more laurels to the country and the state."
Ajith, who took Rs 1.5 lakh loan from friends before going to Greece, said, "Chief minister Siddaramaiah had announced that whoever wins medals in international events will be awarded Rs 25 lakh and those who secure second and third place will be given Rs 15 lakh and Rs 8 lakh respectively. This motivated me to take part in the championship. With this achievement I am expecting Rs 15 lakh from the government which can be used for my future tournaments. My father, a tailor, died three years ago. I run the family by conducting coaching classes for chess players. I want to become an International Master. Though I have qualified for a few tournaments, including the Commonwealth championship and an international competition in Sri Lanka, I have to think twice before taking part due to my poor financial condition."
Ananda Theetha, president of Mysuru District Chess Association, said: "Both are talented players and have bright future. Jatin is a gifted chess player. To achieve more success, he should focus on time pressure management. Ajith is also an outstanding player but due to financial constraints he is unable to take part in more tournaments. If anyone comes forward to promote him he will be an asset for the state."