Photo courtesy of Uma Velidandla.
Sarvagna Velidandla took home a fifth place trophy in the U-18 category of the 2019 KCF All Girls National Chess Tournament, held in Chicago in April.
Vestavia Hills resident and chess enthusiast Sarvagna Velidandla has been invited to compete at the Dewain Barber Tournament of K-8 Champions, held Aug. 3-6 in Orlando during the 2019 U.S. Open. Only one youth from each state is nominated to compete.
Velidandla, who is studying in Pizitz Middle School, won first place in the 2019 Alabama State Scholastic Individual Chess Championship and became Alabama State chess champion in the Junior High section on March 2, earning her nomination to the Barber Tournament. She also recently took home a fifth place trophy in the U-18 category of the 2019 KCF All Girls National Chess Tournament in Chicago.
The Alabama Chess Federation notified Sarvagna and her family of her nomination in April and will provide a grant for travel and coaching expenses as she prepares for the national tournament.
Submitted by Uma Velidandla.