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Two Indians in prize list at British open

In Scarborough, UK, top seeded GM Julian Hodgson (9) of England annexed the prestigious British Chess Championship for the third time with a quick draw with GM Anthony Kosten (7.5) in the eleventh and final round.

Hodgson had won the title twice earlier, in 1991 and 1992.

The lone woman GM in the field, Harriet Hunt (6.5) of England won the British ladies title despite her last round loss to India's International Master K Shashikaran (7.5).

Hodgson and Hunt will get prize monies of 10,000 pounds and 500 pounds respectively for their efforts.

GM Peter Wells (8) of England and IM Ziaur Rehman (8) of Bangladesh agreed to a quick, friendly draw, to finish joint second.

Only two Indians -- IMs K Shashikaran and Abhijeet Kunte, both 7.5, finished in the prize list with a tie for fourth to twelfth position.

WGM Hunt adopted the Nimzo Indian Defence against national champion K Shashikiran (7.5). Shashi obtained a double bishop advantage and pushed his queenside passer for a decisive advantage.

Hunt gave up when heavy material loss became inevitable.

IM Kunte adopted the Sicilian Paulsen against IM Garry Lane of England. Lane lost a pawn and Kunte, with a brilliant piece sacrifice at a time when Lane was under time pressure, forced checkmate.

India's GM Praveen Thipsay lost to GM Bogdan Lalic (7.5) of England to finish out of the prize list.

IM V Saravanan (6.5) and India's number one junior, S Kidambi (6.5) also ended up short of the prize list, with draws in their final round games.