April 30, 2008	Wednesday	Rabi-us-Sani 23, 1429

KARACHI, April 29: Mahmood Ahmed Lodhi claimed the national chess title for a record 11th time when he outclassed Riasat Ali Nazim after 31 moves in the 11th and final round of the 26th National Championship on Tuesday.

Lodhi, a master strategist, was almost certain to grab the title from the very outset.

However, Lodhi, who hails from Gujranwala, virtually owes his victory to third placed Mohammad Waqar who displaced the runner-up Amir Karim in a crucial round nine match earlier to pave the path for Lodhi’s victory.

Lodhi’s final point tally was 10 points from 11 games, while Amir Karim finished second by a mere ½ point.

Speaking to Dawn, an elated Lodhi remarked: “I owe this win to my late father who has taught me the values of patience, concentration and discipline.”

Lodhi won the title after a lapse of four years and holds the distinction of securing a record 10 points from 11 rounds.

The champion was slightly upset on having lost to Amir Karim in round six or he would have made a clean sweep of the championship.

The top five players of the competition have automatically been selected for the Pakistan team which is scheduled to compete in the World Olympiad in Dresden, Germany in November.

In other results, Amir Karim defeated Dr Haroon while Mohammad Waqar drew with Gulrez Nazir.

Waqar offered a draw to Gulrez as he preferred to consolidate his third place position rather than risk losing and be relegated to fourth position.

The winner was awarded Rs50,000 while the runner-up pocketed Rs35,000 and third place received Rs25,000.

Two new National Masters emerged from the tournament — Gulrez Nazir and Wahid Hussain.

Results:

Round 11: IM Mahmood Lodhi bt Riasat Ali Nazim, Amir Karim bt Dr Haroon, Mohammad Waqar drew Glurez Nazir, Haseeb Ahmed bt Abdul Majid, Khali-ur-Rehman bt bt Imtiaz Ahmed, Waqar Madni bt Ijaz Butt, Waseem Akram bt Raees Ansari, Asad Rampuri bt Ali Madad, Wahid Hussain bt Shahzad Alam.

Points table after final round:

Mahmood Ahmed Lodhi, (10), Amir Karim (9.5), Mohammad Waqar (8), Khalil-ur-Rehman (8), Haseeb Ahmed (8), Wahid Hussain, (7.5), Waseem Akram (7.5), Gulrez Nazir (7.5), Asad Rampuri (7.5), Waqar Madni (7.5).