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 Januray born Aquarian N Raghavi of Tamil Nadu (DOB 28 01 1989) clinched her maiden National title taking the Under 12 Rapids at Chandigarh
recently. With a whopping score of 6/7 the Chennai girl emerged
the champion ahead of favorite Madurai lass M Rajadarshini, who also scored six points. But a better tie break score gave Raghavi the title.
An eighth standard student of Padma Seshadri Bala Bhavan HSS, Chennai, Raghavi has been close to big titles several times and missed them narrowly. But this time around it was a different case and she now qualifies to represent the country in the World Children's Rapid, which is usually held at Disneyland, Paris. Raghavi is coached by two
Chennai players, D Ganesh and A L Kasi. The Champ made a surprise visit to our office,
with her father Mr Nagarajan and Coach Mr D Ganesh, and was happy to
share her thoughts, on her Chandigarh conquest. Raghavi was in jolly good mood, and saw herself becoming a Women Grandmaster in future.
Congrats on your outstanding feat at Chandigarh winning the National Rapid title !
Thank you !! I relished winning the title very much !!
How do you see your title show in Chandigarh ?
I was quite confident and had a good start. I defeated title contender Rajadarshini and then lost to Sivasankari, but was still confident till the end. With Sivasankari I blundered in time pressure and lost, but overall I was satisfied with my game.
 About your previous close encounters with National titles ?
I was finishing in the top ten in the Under 12 Category for the past three years in
Aurangabad, Bangalore and Ahmedabad. But this time around, I felt it was my day and did it.
How was your mindset in the last round, when you needed a win for the title ?
I was playing it as just another game, and it went into a rook, knight
and pawn ending against Kiran Monisha Mohanthy arising from Morra Gambit. I played and executed the win confidently. In fact, I was very nervous after the game. But felt very happy to win the title.
About the tournament !
The organization was just excellent, and boarding and lodging was free to all the selected players.
How helpful was your mother's presence in Chandigarh !
It was great. But I'd feel more comfortable with both, my mother and coach accompanying me.
How do you describe
the nature of your game ?
I am more a positional player, who goes for small advantages and converts them patiently.
(Here Mr Ganesh chips in with a
smile and says, "She's a pawn hunter.") But, I have to improve in many facets. Mr Ganesh and Mr
Kasi, both of whom are my coaches are working on it.
About not visiting the world famous
Rock Gardens in Chandigarh and preparing instead ?
I was just focusing on my next game, and would visit the place on my next visit.
 On the changes in life, that comes along with the tag of National Champion !
I like the title, but would want my friends to remain the same.
About your goals !!
I want to become a Women Grandmaster.
Who's the strongest player you have scalped ?
Former National Champion and Women International Master Mrunalini Kunte of Maharashtra during the National "B" Championships at Palghat last year.
Your favorite player !
Alexander Alekhine. His games fascinate me. I like his great attacking instincts and clarity in complex situations. I like studying his middle games very much.
About playing for India for the first time in the World Children's Rapid ?
I am looking forward to it eagerly. I was told it is held usually in Disneyland, Paris and the Russian legend Anatoly Karpov gives away the prizes. I would make my best efforts to win the title and take the prize from Karpov's hands.
Wishing you a successful show in the World Rapids at Disneyland,
Paris !
Thank you very much !
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