Hyderabad|India|July'2011: Lakshya-Flame supported Harika Dronavalli becomes the second Indian woman after Koneru Humpy to hold the title of a chess Grandmaster, following her fine performance at the 1st Hangzhou Women Grandmaster Chess Tournament 2011. Harika pocketed a total of 5.5 points, following 7 draws and 2 wins, to finish at a commendable 3rd position. Ten top women players competed in this round robin event.

Harika had held double norms for Grandmaster and already had bagged the titles of woman Grandmaster and International Master previously. So, in a way, this feat was a natural progression. Naturally ecstatic with the achievement, she said, “It’s been a dream coming true for me. I have been working hard to achieve this since the past few years and was confident getting into this tournament. I am naturally very happy. I am looking forward to the future tournaments and will continue working hard to be the World No.1. Also, I would like to thank Lakshya & Flame for lending me support when most needed. I am happy that I have reposed their faith in me”

Harika is one of the four chess players currently supported by Lakshya. Before setting out for the tournament, she had been at the Flame Campus in Pune to undergo special training at the Chess Camp by legendary GM Vladimirov, an initiative of Lakshya & Flame School. GM Vladimirov commented, “I congratulate Harika on this special achievement. There was never a doubt in my mind about her capability. I am sure she will continue this form and bring more laurels. I wish her the very best for the upcoming tournaments.” GM Abhijit Kunte, the mentor for the chess vertical at Lakshya, said, “Harika has been in great form, following her fine performances at the Asian Individual Chess Championships & the South African Open. We were expecting a good result at this tournament too and are very pleased with her performance. At Lakshya, it’s our endeavor to address the need-gaps of our players and am happy to see that the efforts are helping our players in enhancing their performances. This feat augurs well for the sport of chess in our country and will encourage other fellow players. ”

A resident of Guntur, Andhra Pradeh, Harika had received the Arjuna Award for her excellence in the sport in the year 2007, following which she proved her caliber once again by winning the Girl's title at the World Junior Chess Championship held at Turkey in the year 2008. She had recently won a Gold medal at the Asian Individual Woman Chess Championship 2011 and Silver in the Women’s category at the 2011 Commonwealth Championship held at South Africa.