Yakub Hussain Clinches UP State Under-15 Chess Title; Top Arbiters Honored at Sitapur Finale

Sitapur : The 20-day marathon "U.P. Chess Festival" reached a thrilling conclusion at Delhi Public School, Sitapur, on May 11, with Prayagraj’s Yakub Hussain emerging as the undisputed champion of the Under-15 Open category.

After nine grueling rounds of strategic battles, Hussain secured the top spot with 7.5 points. His path to the trophy was solidified in the final round, where he played a tactical draw against Ayansh Singh of Maharajganj. This steady performance ensured he remained ahead of the pack in a highly competitive field.

The championship saw a tight race for the podium. Shivay Singh of Varanasi claimed the runner-up position with 7 points, edging out competitors via a superior tie-break score. Ayaan Trikha of Gautam Buddha Nagar followed in third place, while Bijnor’s Sparsh Kumar rounded out the top four.

By virtue of their rankings, these four elite young players have officially earned their spots on the Uttar Pradesh state team. They will represent the province at the upcoming National Championship.

"Winning the state title is just the beginning," a determined Yakub Hussain shared after his victory. "My ultimate target is to bring home a medal for Uttar Pradesh at the Nationals."

The closing ceremony was not just about the players; it also recognized the officials who ensured the tournament’s integrity. General Secretary A.K. Raizada emphasized that a successful 20-day festival would have been impossible without the technical expertise of the officiating team.

• Honored Arbiters included:
• Anand Singh (Chief Arbiter)
• Aditya Dwivedi (Deputy Chief Arbiter)
• Technical Team: Rupa Shukla, Shivanshi, Omkar, Priya, Shiv Shankar, and Shahab.

Each official was presented with a memento as a token of appreciation for their dedication throughout the festival. The event marks a significant milestone for Sitapur’s sporting landscape, showcasing the rising depth of chess talent in Uttar Pradesh.