Odisha Woman Fide Master Saina Salonika won the U-16 girls’ rapid title with six points out of a possible seven in the Asian Youth Chess Championship, which commenced at Chiangmai in Thailand on April 1, 2018. With the title win, WFM Saina stands to gain 57 rating points and increase her ELO to 1585.

Bhubaneswar lass Saina won six games, defeating Santosh Anaidaa (India), Dariya Lee (Kyrgyzstan), Aini Rasyid Nur (Indonesia), Anousha Mahdian (Iran), Gerriahlou Sebastian Mhage (Philippines), Assel Serikbay (Kazakhstan) and lost one to Turumbaatar Nomindalai (Mongolia).

This is said to be the 13th international medal for Saina, who is Standard-X student of KIIT International School. The rapid event will be followed by the main (standard) competition with Saina as top seed in her age group.

Yashita Rout was the other player to compete in the Asian Youth Championship and she finished 20th in U-10 girls rapid competition. Overall India won a maximum of 22 medals in the rapid section, including 11 gold, six silver and five bronze. The tournament would conclude on April 9.