The 21st Northeast Rating Chess Championship concluded on a thrilling note, with Rahul Gurung from Sikkim emerging as the champion for the third time in his career. The competition, organized by the All Arunachal Pradesh Chess Association, witnessed fierce battles among 344 participants from various regions of the Northeast. The event, which took place from October 21st to 27th, showcased top-tier chess talent in the region.
Rahul Gurung’s path to victory was marked by resilience and strategic brilliance as he finished with an impressive 8/9 points. However, he faced stiff competition from fellow players Soram Rahul Singh and Mrinmoy Rajkhowa, both hailing from Assam, who also secured 8/9 points each. It was Rahul’s superior tie-breaks that ultimately earned him the tournament’s top honors, as he secured the coveted title of Northeast Champion once again.
Notably, all three top performers remained undefeated throughout the championship, demonstrating their consistency and skill on the chessboard. In the penultimate eighth round, Mrinmoy Rajkhowa came closest to dethroning the eventual champion, Rahul. In a completely winning rook endgame, Mrinmoy decided to repeat moves, resulting in a draw, a decision that had a significant impact on the tournament’s final standings.
The top three winners were awarded a share of the total prize fund of ₹500,000. Rahul Gurung claimed the first prize of ₹100,000 along with a trophy and certificate, marking his first tournament victory of the year and his third overall Northeast championship triumph. Cash prizes were distributed by the Chief Guest Shri Bamang Felix, Minister Home, ISBA, Rural Development, Panchayati Raj, Parliamentary Affairs, IPR & Printing, and Government Spokesperson, Government of Arunachal Pradesh.
In the final round, six players, namely Rahul Gurung, Abhrojyoti Nath, Mrinmoy Rajkhowa, Soram Rahul Singh, Madhab Sarma, and Iftikar Alom Mazumdar, were in the lead with 7/8 points. The results of the final round decided the championship’s fate. Rahul defeated Madhab, Soram outplayed Iftikar, and Abhrojyoti lost to Mrinmoy. As a result, Rahul Gurung secured his well-deserved first place, with Soram Rahul Singh and Mrinmoy Rajkhowa claiming the second and third positions, respectively. Click here to check the final standing.
The 21st Northeast Rating Chess Championship was played with a time control of 90 minutes plus a 30-second increment per move, ensuring exciting and intense chess battles throughout the event. The competition not only celebrated the remarkable talent within the Northeast region but also provided an opportunity for players to showcase their skills on a grand stage. The event’s success is a testament to the growing interest and talent in chess within the region.
