Nimmy’s next move to win WIM

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What is the similarity between Sachin Tendulkar and chess player Nimmy A. George? Yes, they are both sportspersons, but that is the wrong answer.

They stand on the threshold of a slippery milestone.It has to be said that like Sachin, who has been denied glory for quite some time now, Nimmy was on the verge of creating certain history when she fumbled and like the little master, needs to wait until the next opportunity.

Nimmy would have become the first Women’s International Master — WIM (a title in chess) from the state had she won or even drawn a game in her last two rounds at the Chennai GM International Chess tournament earlier this week.

However, the state women’s champion had to feel the taste of history slip away when she lost both games.

“It is still playing on my mind. I had the advantage in both those games, but maybe it was the feeling that I was about to make it that ruined everything. It happened again the next day and I couldn’t believe it,” said Nimmy.

She had a terrific start to the new year, getting a few crucial wins, until the final few rounds and Nimmy says she still is in a state of shock about that lost opportunity. “I will get another chance, but nothing like the ones I lost,” she added.

Nimmy has been the best women’s chess player Kerala has ever produced. The 24-year-old has planned to try for the title again at the national team chess championship to be held in Goa from February 27.

“In team chess, it is hard to qualify the criteria for getting the third and final norm for the WIM title. I’ll have to play at least five title holders and also get a good final score, which will be tough considering there are not many such players in that championship,” said Nimmy. She is also planning to take part in the GM Open in Chennai at the end of the month.