IM Berlinsky crowned chess champion

IM Vladimir Berlinsky (2301) of Russia beat compatriot IM Sergey
Krylov (2393) to emerge the new world champion at the 11th IBCA individual
world chess event for the blind, on Wednesday.

Vladimir who started off the ninth and final round on 6.5 points won
an epic battle against Krylov, who was tipped to win the title.
However, Vladimir held his cool to claim the gold medal as he emerged
the winner with 7.5 points to reign supreme in a world event for the
first time.

Vladimir, Krylov and Smirnov were looking very strong to stake their
claim for the title but today all the top three tables created ripples
across the playing arena.

Cuban Carlos Larduet Despaigne (2308) turned out to be the dark horse when he forced Russian Sergei Smirnov (2288) to resign and finish second with 7 points to
win the silver medal.

Ukraine's three time Women World Champion and top board Gold medallist at Turin
Olympiad WIM Lubov Zsiltzova-Lisenko (2284) downed compatriot Sergej Wassin (2299) to claim the third spot and the bronze medal with 7 points though she lost out on
inferior progressive score to the Cuban.

Union Sports Minister Mani Shankar Aiyyar, gave away the prizes. The
Minister said the Indian federation needed to be given due recognition
and that blind chess players ought to be encouraged.