Leli Jakaka from Rayagada and Shreesti Shreyasi from Puri won the open and girls title respectively at the Odisha State U-18 Chess Championship, which concluded at Sarbodaya Complex in Koraput today.

As many as three players tied for the top position in open category, garnering four points each. Leli eventually won the title on the basis of Buchholz tie-break system, while Purna Khillo of Koraput settled as runner-up.

In the girls category, Shreesti emerged undisputed champion with full five points, while Bishnupriya Majhi of Koraput finished runner-up with four points. Top two finishers in each category qualified to represent Odisha in the 31st National U-18 Open and Girls Chess Championship, scheduled to be held in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu from 18 to 23 April 2022.

The two-day State championship, featuring a total of 32 players, including 18 girls, was organised by Koraput District Chess Association (KDCA) and Kalinga Sports Foundation (KSF), Under the Aegis of All Odisha Chess Association (AOCA).

Koraput Municipality Chairman Lalat Ranjan Sethi graced the opening ceremony as chief guest. AOCA treasurer Bhabesh Mohanty was the chief guest at the closing function and handed over the trophies. KDCA president Lalatendu Pratap Deo, secretary Pradip Mohanty, treasurer Sagarika Muni and FIDE Arbiter Jyoti Nanda were present on the occasion.

FINAL RANKINGS (Top 10):

OPEN: 1. Leli Jakaka (Rayagada, 4), 2. Purna Khillo (Koraput, 4), 3. Haresh Pidika (Koraput, 4), 4. Babula Bhoi (Koraput, 3.5), 5. Ayush Aryan Mohapatra (Kendrapara, 3), 6. Santosh Nayak (Koraput, 3), 7. Rabindra Jani (Koraput, 2.5), 8. K Salem Winset Nayak (Koraput, 2), 9. Samara Gatam (Koraput, 2), 10. Sahadev Jani (Koraput, 2).

GIRLS: 1. Shreesti Shreyasi (Puri, 5), 2. Bishnupriya Majhi (Koraput, 4), 3. Kausalya Deuria (Koraput, 4), 4. Maina Sahu (Koraput, 3), 5. Manamani Majhi (Koraput, 3), 6. Batti Krishani (Koraput, 3), 7. Sukri Jani (Koraput, 3), 8. Dolly Muduli (Koraput, 3), 9. Sonali Paraja (Koraput, 3), 10. Monalisha Krisani (Koraput, 2.5).
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PHOTO: Title winners and runners-up with guests at the presentation ceremony of the Odisha State U-18 Chess Championship in Koraput on 3 April 2022.