Irene a step closer to WIM title

Musthofid, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Teenage chess star WFM Irene Kharisma took a huge step toward securing Women's International Master accreditation during the penultimate round of the Jababeka Women's International Chess Tournament here on Wednesday.

The 14 year old from Jakarta gained her first WIM norm -- one of three required in gaining full WIM status -- after she collected an overall seven points from 10 games.

The 11-round tournament awards a WIM norm to a player with 7.5 points at the end of tournament. According to Indonesian Chess Association (Percasi) executive chairman Eka Putra Wirya, however, a collection of seven points after nine or 10 rounds could be reported to the world chess governing body FIDE for WIM norm ratification.

"We could have notified FIDE as early as the ninth round if Irene had already won seven points. That's the rule," Eka told reporters after Irene defeated older compatriot Upi Darmayana Tamin at Kartika Chandra Hotel.

FIDE secretary-general Ignatius Leong, a distinguished guest during the tournament, said that another requirement was that Irene would have to play an overall 27 games to collect the title.

If she succeeds in her bid, she would be the fifth of her countrywomen to gain the title after Lindri Yuni, Upi, Lisa Lumongdong and Maria Lucia.

Wednesday's program consisted of two games, with Irene's wins over Upi and fellow teenager Evi Lindiawati not only providing her with the WIM norm but also moving her into third.

WIM Jana Krivec of Slovenia pulled clear at the top on 8.5 points after brushing aside WIM Nana Alexandria of Georgia, overnight co-leader, in the ninth round.

Krivec then added another half point to her tally after she drew with WIM Angela Khegai of Uzbekistan in the 10th round.

Alexandria was fortunate to come through with a win over Lisa Lumongdong to keep the championship title open on Thursday's final day.

Lisa did not notice she could snap Alexandria's queen, and Alexandria counterattacked in the remaining moves.

The win gave Alexandria eight points overall. The 56-year-old Georgian should be little troubled against last-placed Roslina Marmono of Malaysia on Thursday, but Krivec is likely to get a tough test from Irene.