M. S. Thej Kumar

7. M. S. Thej Kumar: Seeded 15; Rating 2386; Performance of 2426 against opponents with an average rating of 2251; A gain of 11 rating points.

THIS Post Graduate in Commerce from Mysore earned his maiden qualification with some tidy results. Three draws in the first six games kept this former National under-25 champion away from the more illustrious contenders. Following his lone loss, to B. T. Muralikrishna in the eighth round, he made his move by scoring two straight victories. A draw with Deep Sengupta earned him a meeting with Nisha Mohota whom he beat for his best showing of the competition. Finally made it with an agreed draw with Girinath.