Sri Vijaya Puram, Aug 17: The prestigious A & N State Chess Championship 2025 concluded yesterday evening at the Marine Hall, Sri Vijaya Puram, with great success and enthusiasm. Over the past three days, 270 players from across the islands showcased their skills and determination in nine intense rounds of Classical Chess, played with a time control of 30 minutes plus a 30-second increment per move.
The A & N State Chess Championship 2025 has been hailed as the toughest tournament of the year, keeping everyone in suspense until the very last round. After nine fiercely fought games, Lalith B emerged as the A & N State Champion 2025, while J S Virat secured the first runner-up position, V Yashwant claimed third place, and Shrestha Vijay D finished fourth. Lalith, Virat, and Yashwant each scored 8 points, with Lalith B clinching the championship title on the basis of superior Buchholz and other tie-break scores.
The closing ceremony was graced by Shri G. Bhasker, patron, ANCA, as the Chief Guest. He felicitated the winners and encouraged the young talents to pursue excellence in the sport. The top twenty players of the championship were awarded trophies, cash prizes, and certificates for their outstanding performances.
The top four players have earned the opportunity to represent the Andaman & Nicobar Islands at the forthcoming 62nd National Chess Championship 2025, scheduled to be held in Andhra Pradesh next month. They are requested to submit their consent letters latest by 20th August at the ANCA Office or through WhatsApp at 9434293379; failing which, the next player in the merit list will be considered for national participation.
Earlier, the final day games were ceremonially inaugurated by Commander Vijay Kumar, Director Shipping Services, who made the traditional first move on the top board and extended his best wishes to all the participants.