Pakistan’s International Master (IM) Mahmood Ahmed Lodhi reached the pinnacle of his marathon career when he won the 6th edition of Asian Chess Championship in Lareston, Iran, on Thursday.
Playing with top IMs, FIDE Masters of the continent, Lodhi ended the tournament in a blaze of glory by accumulating eight six points after winning six matches and drawing two to emerge on the top in 44 masters championship.
Lodhi has been dominating the country’s chess scene, having won 14 national titles. By winning the Asian title he also got the Grand Master (GM) for the second time in his career.
The 54-year-oldLodhi received a crystal trophy and modest $500 prize money for his triumph as the continental champion.
“I have been waiting for this great moment for long and finally it came,” said Lodhi.
“My top objective is to become Grand Master for which I need funding to regularly feature on the international circuit,” Gujranwala-based Lodhi, said.
“I hope I will get the respect, support and patronising for my triumph which a country’s top player deserves,” star chess master, said.
Top players from India, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Malaysia, New Zealand and host Iran took part in 10-round championship.
The Chairman and Director of Mind Sports Association of Pakistan (MSAP) Khurshid Hadi and Tariq Rasheed Khan expressed delight over the grand success of Lodhi.
While congratulating Asian Champion Lodhi, they said MSAP would be duly honored at a reception on Lodhi’s return.
