Women Challengers 2017 Round 9: Soumya and Bhakti set up title clash
28/07/2017 -C. Lakshmi's dream run at the 44th National Challengers 2017 was brought to a halt by WGM Bhakti Kulkarni ater the latter scored a marathon victory with the black pieces. On the second board Soumya Swaminathan beat P.V. Nandhidhaa. This meant that Bhakti and Soumya now jointly lead the tournament with 7.5/9. You can say that the tenth round clash between the two is the most important game of the entire tournament. The winner most certainly has great chances of becoming the champion. Mary Ann Gomes is the only player on 7 points, followed by ten participants on 6.5.