Bhubaneswar, Jan 25: J S Virat, a young and promising chess player from the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, delivered a commendable performance by securing 7th place and winning a cash prize of ₹10,000 in the 16th Odisha Open (Below 1700 Category) held at SOA University, Bhubaneswar, from 21st to 24th January 2026.
Showcasing consistency and determination, Virat remained unbeaten throughout the tournament, scoring 7.5 points out of 9 rounds against strong national-level competition. In the final round, he played on the prestigious Board No. 1 and secured a well-fought draw.
Notably, eight players were tied for second place with an equal score of 7.5 points, and Virat finished 7th due to lower tie-break scores. His performance marks another important milestone in his chess career and is a proud moment for the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
The Andaman & Nicobar Chess Association congratulates J S Virat on his outstanding performance and extends its best wishes for his future tournaments and continued success.