Ashraf, Sidhant emerge state junior champs

Mohammad Ashraf and Sidhant Mohapatra emerged junior and sub-junior champions respectively in the 4th All-Orissa S R School Chess Tournament, which concluded at DAV School (CDA), Cuttack today. Ashraf (Stewart School, Cuttack) finished with eight points from as many rounds, while Sidhant (Saraswari Sishu Mandir, Bhadrak) returned home with 7.5 points. Stewart School, Cuttack, won the team title, ahead of runners-up DAV Public School (Bidanasi, Cuttack). Orissa State Chess Association president K K Nath graced the closing function as chief guest and gave away the prizes. Final standings (Top 5): Junior: 1. Mohammad Ashraf (8), 2. Ashutosh Mohapatra (7), 3. Smaraki Mohanty (6.5), 4. Satarudra Das (6), 5. Abhilash Kabi (6). Sub-junior: 1. Sidhant Mohapatra (7.5), 2. Akankshya Kabi (7.5), 3. Soumen Amlan (6.5), 4. Ashutosh Pradhan (6), 5. Madhumita Chatterjee (6).