User:Beedot/Raja ravi sekhar

Born 17th September 1954 at Madras, Raja Ravi Sekhar commenced playing actively in chess tournaments around 1971-72 when the controversial Fischer - Spassky world championhsip match was underway at Iceland - RRS as he came to be known in Indian chess circles won the National Junior in 1973 and 1974 becoming the first Indian to represent the country in the 13th World Junior championship held at Manila in 1974 - In 1975 he won both the Senior National-B and National-A championships - In 1979 he won the National Seniors event again with a staggering total of 12 wins and 5 draws with three rounds to spare , a feat that has not been repeated in the years that followed - By 1981 he was awarded the title of International Master having emerged the winner of the Asian Masters Circuit - He won the legs at Jakarta with 9.5/13 and Kuala Lumpur with 11/15 making IM norms in both cases - Playing in all the 16 National-A events during 1975-1990 , RRS was very consistent in staying in the coveted top six that would constitute the official Indian team - Consequently he played in all the six chess olympiads at Malta 1980 , Luzern 1982 , Thessaloniki 1984 , Dubai 1986 , Thessaloniki 1988 and Novisad 1990 - Twice he was the captain too in 1980 and 1988 - Playing almost a tournament every month , RRS kept playing during 1972-1993 keeping close to 70% - His elo rating went upto 2445 and stayed close to 2400 in several lists till he pulled out in 1993 at 2380 - During 1993 to 2010 he has been an active chess coach grooming several champions of the game and playing the role of mentor for many - Further details about the master and his numerous students can be seen on www.rajaravisekhar.com -