Bhakti Kulkarni pipped Mary Ann Gomes to the National women's chess title on superior tie-break after the 11th and final round here on Monday.
Mary, leading Bhakti by half a point, lost sensationally to P. V. Nandhidhaa in 27 moves on the top board before the eventual champion battled to a 66-move draw against J. Saranya.
Bhakti topped a four-way tie at 8.5 points. Mary took the second spot, ahead of M. Mahalakshmi and Nandhidhaa.
