Sri Vijaya Puram, August 17 — The prestigious Andaman & Nicobar State Chess Championship 2025 concluded with great success at Marine Hall, Sri Vijaya Puram, after three days of intense competition. The tournament featured 270 players from across the islands, battling through nine rounds of Classical Chess under a 30-minute time control with a 30-second increment per move.
Emerging victorious was Lalith B, who clinched the championship title after scoring 8 points and edging out competitors through superior Buchholz and tie-break scores. J S Virat secured the runner-up position, while V Yashwant and Shrestha Vijay D finished third and fourth respectively. Notably, Lalith, Virat, and Yashwant all scored 8 points, making the final standings a matter of fine margins.
The closing ceremony was graced by Mr. G. Bhasker, patron of the Andaman Nicobar Chess Association (ANCA), who felicitated the winners and encouraged young talents to pursue excellence in the sport. Trophies, cash prizes, and certificates were awarded to the top twenty performers.
The top four players—Lalith B, J S Virat, V Yashwant, and Shrestha Vijay D—have earned the opportunity to represent the Andaman & Nicobar Islands at the upcoming 62nd National Chess Championship 2025 in Andhra Pradesh. Participants are required to submit their consent letters by August 20 to confirm their spots.
The final day of the championship was ceremonially inaugurated by Commander Vijay Kumar, Director of Shipping Services, who made the traditional first move on the top board and extended his best wishes to all participants.
