Odisha chess star and Women Grand Master (WGM) Padmini Rout has become the first woman of the state to win the International Master (IM) title. Rout secured the title following her splendid show in the Masters category of the Tradewise Gibraltar Chess Festival, which was held at Caleta Hotel in Gibralter (England) from January 27 to February 5.

Rout, who had 2388 rating points, gathered 59 points taking her point tally to 2447 at the Gibraltar Festival to be eligible for the IM title as per the FIDE guidelines. She also bagged her first Grand Master (GM) norm in the process.

The IM title holder must have 2400 rating points as per the FIDE norms. Rout ranks third as per the present All India women rating. GM Koneru Humpy and GM Dronavalli Harika both of Andhra Pradesh are in first and second place in the national ranking respectively.