Winners of the contest to be announced on Friday

Niranjan Warrier (Standard V) and Adithya Anil (Standard VII) of Bhavan’s Adarsha Vidyalaya were already locked in an intense battle over a chess board, though there was much time left for the actual contest to begin.

Niranjan was in a mood to tease after a smart move, which his senior rival took in the right spirit.

“While I am senior in terms of age, he [Niranjan] has won more prizes than me,” admitted Adithya.

Such an enthusiasm and competitive spirit were the hallmarks of the two-day chess competition organised by The Hindu In School in association with the Chess Association Kerala (CAK), which is affiliated to the All India Chess Federation, at Udyan auditorium near Vennala on Thursday.

Participating as the chief guest, Gayathri Govind, principal of Billabong High International School, Kochi, was all praise for The Hindu , which, she said, was the last word for language and genuine news. Kannan, secretary of CAK Kochi chapter, was also present.

Thyrocare is the national sponsor of the competition, and ‘powered by’ sponsor is Billabong High International School.

The regional gift sponsors are Club Mahindra and Indian Oil Corporation.

With a FIDE rating of 1,593, Nijay Giri, a Standard IX student of Holy Grace School, Mala, was one of the most accomplished contestants.

The contest is held in three categories — sub-junior (LKG to Standard IV), junior (standards V to VIII), and senior (standards IX to XII).

All participants can play nine rounds, and the winners will be announced on Friday based on the total points amassed.

N.V. Balamurali, deputy regional general manager, The Hindu , Kochi, presided. P.C. Muralidharan, senior regional manager, circulation, proposed a vote of thanks.