Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 18 August 2025
The prestigious A & N State Chess Championship 2025 concluded with great enthusiasm at the Marine Hall, Sri Vijaya Puram. Over three days, 270 players from across the Islands competed in nine intense rounds of Classical Chess, each played with a time control of 30 minutes plus a 30-second increment per move.
Hailed as the toughest tournament of the year, the championship kept spectators on edge until the very last round. Lalith B emerged as the A & N State Champion 2025, edging out his closest rivals on tie-break scores. J S Virat secured the first runner-up position, while V Yashwant finished third, and Shrestha Vijay D came in fourth. All three players—Virat, Yashwant, and Lalith—scored eight points, with Lalith’s superior Buchholz and other tie-breaks clinching him the title.
The top twenty performers of the championship were honoured with trophies, cash prizes, and certificates for their exceptional displays of skill and sportsmanship.
The top four players have also earned the prestigious opportunity to represent the Andaman & Nicobar Islands at the 62nd National Chess Championship 2025, scheduled to be held in Andhra Pradesh next month. Selected players are requested to submit their consent letters by 20th August at the ANCA Office or via WhatsApp at 9434293379. Failure to do so will result in the next eligible player on the merit list being considered for national participation. (Story Based on PR)
