Harika makes a good start at Isle of Man International

Harika Dronavalli beat Englishman Oyama Akito in the first round.

Harika Dronavalli will take on the German FIDE Master Babar Michael in her second-round game.

Indian Grand Master Harika Dronavalli made a positive starts to at the Isle of Man International Chess Tournament here.

The world No. 10 Harika, playing with white pieces, started the game on an aggressive note against her male opponent and made breakthroughs from the initial phases of the game. However, the young Oyama put up a staunch fight before bowing down to the Indian’s attack and gave away an easy win to her opponent.

“I found myself in a good position from the start of the game and didn’t let the pressure down on my opponent which eventually gave me an easy win,” Harika said after her first-round game.

She will now take on the German FIDE Master Babar Michael in the second-round. “I have no special preparations for this game and I am looking to take it one at a time,” she said.

The Open tournament is being played at a time control of 100 minutes for 40 moves, followed by 50 minutes for 20 moves, then 15 minutes for the remaining moves with 30 seconds added per move from the start.