New Delhi: Defending champion and International Master Padmini Rout of PSPB remained on course for her second straight title victory with a finely crafted victory against GM-elect S Vijayalakshmi of Air India in the eighth round of 43rd National Women Premier Chess Championship now underway here.

With just three rounds to come in the Rs. 600000/- prize money championship, Padmini took her tally to 6.5 points out of a possible eight and remained a full point ahead of her teammates Soumya Swaminathan and top seed Eesha Karavade. While Soumya and Eesha have 5.5 points apiece, none of the other competitors are in any position to challenge Padmini’s supremacy and barring a debacle the Odisha girl is likely to clinch the title from here.

Starting with the close Ruy Lopez as white, Padmini seized the initiative in the ensuing middle game and displayed fine form to increase her advantage. Vijayalakshmi never quite recovered and lost after 49 moves. In other important games of the day, Eesha defeated M Mahalakshmi using her white pieces well while Soumya proved superior to R Vaishali who played white.

Results Round- 8 :- Mary Ann Gomes of PSPB (4) beat Bala Kannamma P of TN (3.5); Padmini Rout of PSPB (6.5) beat Viajayalakshmi S of AI (4.5); Eesha Karavade of PSPB (5.5) beat Mahalakshmi M of TN (4); Pratyusha Bodda of AP (2.5) beat Nisha Mohota of PSPB (3); Vaishali R of TN (2.5) lost to Soumya Swaminathan of PSPB (5.5); Kiran Manisha Mohanty of LIC (3) lost to Swati Ghate of LIC (3.5)