Mumbai: “Yes, I know I did not play well or my opponent did, and that was the reason,” was his answer when asked why he could not win the trophy. This Candidate Master, Kush Bhagat, finished third in the open category chess meet in Paris. Student of American School of Bombay in BKC, was one among the other contestants from 12 different countries, who took part in the championship. Kush, a fifth standard student, became the youngest lad to win a medal at the 4e Open International de Noisiel category, which has a rating category of 1400-2000 Elo points and concluded in Paris.
A twin sibling of Bhagat family, Kush has a collection of many medals and trophies in his room. I have many medals and this will find a good place in the showcase,” said Kush, whose twin sister is not taken a liking for chess, but a martial art. “It has become a tough call, as I have to leave her at home and take Kush for chess classes.” said his mother Shilpa who runs an NGO and looks after Yasham Foundation. Seeded 18th, he got the better of top seed Favre Mathieu in the second round and later got the better of Toure Shanthi, who eventually went on to win the title. Kush, who is a student South Mumbai Chess Academy, in the process gained a total of 118 ELO points to take his new rating tally to 1800 ELO points.
