Harika back in top five of world chess rankings

Harika not only finished with 5.5 points in the Isle of Man tournament that saw some of the best chess players in action but also emerged as the one of the top woman player at the event.

Published : Oct 11, 2016 20:26 IST , Hyderabad

Harika Dronavalli reacts after beating World No.1 Hou Yifan at the Isle of Man International Chess Tournament in Douglas.

Harika Dronavalli reacts after beating World No.1 Hou Yifan at the Isle of Man International Chess Tournament in Douglas.

India’s Grand Master Harika Dronavalli broke back into the top five in the world chess rankings after a commanding show in the Isle of Man International Chess tournament that concluded earlier this week.

This is the second time during this year that Harika has scaled such heights, soaring on a series of wins and commendable performances.

Harika not only finished with 5.5 points in the Isle of Man tournament that saw some of the best chess players in action but also emerged as the one of the top woman player at the event. She won as many as four games out of nine, including a breakthrough victory over world no. 1 Hou Yifan of China. She drew three other games and lost only two in a highly demanding format.

The 25-year-old Hyderabadi gained 15.4 crucial points in the bargain to take her live ratings from 2528 to 2543.4. That was good enough to pull her up from her tenth position to a commendable World No. 5.

The ranking will be ratified on November 1, when the updated FIDE rankings are released.

Harika has had a great year so far, having won multiple championships, including the Chengdu GP and the Eurasian Blitz in Kazakhstan. She will next head for the Cap d’Agde Rapid Chess Tournament in France from October 22-29.