The third prize of Rs 45,000 was claimed by West Bengal WGM Mary Ann Gomes, who also logged eight points, while host Orissa’s top player and WGM Padmini Rout finished a creditable fourth with 7.5 points. Delhi IM Tania Sachdev finished a disappointing fifth.

Among two other Orissa players, WGM Kiran Manisha Mohanty occupied the ninth position with 5.5 points, while Aparajita Gochhikar occupied the 12th place also with 5.5 points. During the 12-day championship, which was held for the first time in Orissa, Pratyusha Bodda secured a WIM norm.

Orissa Governor Muralidhar Chandrakant Bhandare gave away the trophy cash prizes at the closing function. Office-bearers of host Khurda District Chess Association, Kalinga Chess Academy and the newly formed All Orissa Chess Association were present on the occasion. Altogether 24 players, including two IMs and six WGM participated in the tournament carried a total prize fund of Rs 4 lakhs.

Final standings (Top 20): 1. Soumya Swaminathan (8.5), 2. Swati Ghate (8), 3. Mary Ann Gomes (8), 4. Padmini Rout (7.5), 5. Tania Sachdev (7), 6. Nisha Mohota (7), 7. Pratyusha Bodda (6), 8. Eesha Karavade (5.5), 9. Kiran Manisha Mohanty (5.5), 10. R Bharathi (5.5), 11. S Harini (5.5), 12. Aparajita Gochhikar (5.5), 13. Arunima Kalra (5.5), 14. Swati Mohota (5), 15. Rucha Pujari (5), 16. Amrutha Mokal (5), 17. A Akshaya (5), 18. R Preethi (5), 19. Sonakshi Rathore (4.5), 20. J Saranya (4).
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TOP: Top four finishers (Right to left) Soumya Swaminathan, Swati Ghate, Mary Ann Gomes and Padmini Rout of the 37th Premier National Women Championship in Bhubaneswar on January 5, 2011.

BOTTOM: Prize winners, guests and organizing officials at the 37th Premier National Women Championship in Bhubaneswar on January 5, 2011.