BUDAPEST: Sheveka Rohilla became an international women’s grandmaster after a final round draw with IM Rudolf Sertić of Croatia in the first ever chess tournament that concluded here on Saturday.
Shevika, who achieved her first level in 2023, has come close to the final standard in the last 10 tournaments but has missed opportunities. This time, big wins early in the tournament helped her regain confidence and despite some hiccups towards the end, the Delhi-based girl finally got it done.
Shevika scored 4.5 points out of nine matches, also ensuring a nice rise in her rankings despite her WIM ranking requirements being completed in 2025 after a tournament in Poland.
The 18-year-old now wants to complete the title of Woman Grandmaster.
“In this tournament, I was close enough to achieve my first WGM Standard, but my focus was primarily on the WIM title and I think psychology played its part, but now that the monkey is off my back, I am sure that I can now look to the future with a new outlook and hope that I can complete the Women’s Grandmaster title,” Shivika told PTI.
Shivika thanked the many coaches who helped her grow as a player.
“They believe in me more than I believe in myself, and I was always surrounded by positive emotions coming from my coaches and my parents,” she said modestly. “Their contribution to this success is much greater than mine.”
Speaking about her plans for the future, Shiveka said she wants to return to the European circuit in June later this year and play a number of events to reach the next level.
Tania Sachdev was the first player from Delhi to become a WIM player in 24 years, and most recently Sachi Jain was the second about a month ago. Shivika is now third.
“The women’s chess scenario in our part of the country is now finally experiencing a revolution for good and I am sure this will continue for a long time.”
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