Forget practice, theory makes Kunte perfect

The women’s National A was to be followed by the Men’s National A at Bhilai. And what happened in Bhilai will form part of the chess folklore. Kunte, who had finished last in the previous championships at Kasargod, triumphed. It was during this victory that he earned his second International Master’s norm, that of 16 games. The first norm, of 10 games, had come in the previous year.

After the All-India Chess Federation recently confirmed the IM title, the GM norm will come as a big bonus for Kunte, for whom 1997 has been a landmark year.

He started rather poorly with the Goodricke tournament at Calcutta but went on to win the National junior title at Trichur, finished between 16 to 25 in the World Junior Championships at Poland, came fourth in the Asian Zonal, won the National A Championships, and now is expected to win the Asian Junior title.

Kunte, who doled out seven victories in seven rounds here, was held to a draw yesterday. Two points away from the GM norm, Kunte is feeling the pressure.

“The first norm is always said to be the most difficult to earn. I am so close, but very tense,” revealed Kunte, who started the year with an ELO rating of 2315 and has added 115 points in the past six months.

Kunte, who started playing the game at eight, has won seven National titles so far. Three of which have come in consecutive years in the junior category where the talent is abundant and the competition stiff.

His first coach was his elder sister, Vibhavari, who taught him and Mrunalini the basics of the game. Then he was referred to Mohan Phadke, who is now Kunte’s coach. “I am also helped by International Master Arun Vaidya,” says Kunte.

“Vaidya helps me with theory while for practical coaching, I go to Phadke, who owns a computer,” he adds.

Kunte is probably the highest rated player who does not own a computer. Though he is not averse to using it to improve his play, he feels he has plenty of scope for doing well once he becomes better theoretically.

“When I went to Bhilai with books as my kit, the fellow players were surprised. At Bhilai, I guess, they took me for granted. But when I started winning, they were stunned,” says Kunte.

Dwelling more on the subject, Kunte says: “I want to improve my opening theory and end-game, my middle-game is very strong. If with a little bit of preparation I can bring such good results, then I should concentrate on it,” he says.

Kunte reveals that he has adopted a new style of play for the Asian Junior Championships here. “I am basically an attacking player. I can either win or lose my match, rarely draw. Here I have a cautious approach because the GM norm is at stake. When I have a chance to earn it, why not go for it.

“To earn a norm in the GM’s tournament to be held in Calicut later this year, may be difficult. The field here (for the Asian Juniors) is not very strong,” he admits.

Kunte who improved his rankings by nearly 60 points with the National A victory, is expected to earn another chunk here. “I have defeated all the rated players here,” he says. Though he has to meet only unrated players in the remaining three rounds, Kunte feels they could be of unknown quality. “The Vietnamese (Pham Min Hoang) and then Philippino (Elwin Retenal) are very strong players though unrated. A player may be of IM class but because he is unrated you don’t know his strength.” he says.

With three rounds to go in the Asian Junior Championships, the countdown begins for Kunte. Touted as the next Grandmaster of the country, Kunte is just two points away from the first step towards it.