Berlinskiy crowed chess champion

VARCA: Vladimir Berlinskiy (2301) of Russia beat compatriot Sergey Krylov to emerge the new world champion at the 11th IBCA individual world chess event for the blind, on Wednesday.

Vladimir who started off the ninth and final round on 6.5 points won an epic battle against Krylov, who was tipped to win the title. However, Vladimir held his cool to claim the gold medal as he emerged the winner with 7.5 points to reign supreme in a world event for the first time.

Vladimir, Krylov and Smirnov were looking very strong to stake their claim for the title but today all the top three tables created ripples across the playing arena.

Cuban Carlos Larduet turned out to be the dark horse when he forced Sergei Smirnov (Russia) to resign and finish second with 7 points to win the silver medal.

Ukraine's three time women world champion and gold medallist at Turin Olympiad Zsiltzova Lubov downed compatriot Serej Vasin to claim the third spot and the bronze medal with 7 points as she lost out on inferior progressive score to the Cuban.

Union Sports Minister Mani Shankar Aiyyar, gave away the prizes.  The Minister said the Indian federation needed to be given due recognition and that blind chess players ought to be encouraged.