2025 New Jersey Women’s Chess Championship Report
Date: Sunday, April 13, 2025
Location: South Jersey Innovation Center, Cherry Hill, NJ
On Sunday, April 13, 2025, the South Jersey Innovation Center (SJIC) in Cherry Hill proudly hosted the inaugural New Jersey Women’s Chess Championship. Officially sanctioned by the New Jersey Chess Federation (NJSCF), this event marks a significant milestone in the state’s chess calendar and is poised to become a cornerstone of women’s competitive chess in New Jersey.
This landmark tournament brought together some of the most talented female players from across the state, each vying for the prestigious title of New Jersey Women’s Champion. The competition followed a four-round Swiss format with a time control of G/60 with a 5-second delay. The event struck a harmonious balance between intense competition and exemplary sportsmanship.
Emerging as the 2025 New Jersey Women’s Champion was Shyla Rana, whose remarkable performance earned her a perfect 4.0/4 score. Her flawless run included an impressive upset victory over top-seeded Sahana Aravindakshan, solidifying her place as the standout player of the tournament.
Final Standings:
- 1st Place: Shyla Rana – 4.0/4
- 2nd Place: Sahana Aravindakshan – 3.0/4
- 3rd Place: Anushka Ayyappan – 3.0/4
- 4th Place: Tanya A Namboodiri – 3.0/4
The New Jersey Chess Federation, in collaboration with the South Jersey Innovation Center, continues to play a pivotal role in promoting chess across the region. By providing consistent opportunities for players of all ages and skill levels, both organizations are fostering an inclusive, thriving chess community.
The success of the 2025 New Jersey Women’s Chess Championship not only celebrated the incredible talent of its participants but also served as a powerful inspiration to the next generation of female players. With events like this, the future of women’s chess in New Jersey looks brighter than ever.
2025 New Jersey Senior Chess Championship Report
Date: Sunday, April 13, 2025
Location: South Jersey Innovation Center, Cherry Hill, NJ
The 2025 New Jersey Senior Chess Championship was held at SJIC in Cherry Hill. Sanctioned by the New Jersey Chess Federation, this prestigious event brought together some of the state’s most accomplished and experienced players to compete for the senior state title and the right to represent New Jersey at the Irwin Championship for State Champions.
This year’s championship featured two sections: Open and Reserve. The Open Section followed a five-round Swiss format with a G/30 time control and a 5-second delay, rewarding both strategic depth and quick thinking. The tournament attracted a strong field that included two International Masters (IMs), four FIDE Masters (FMs), and several National Masters (NMs)—a testament to the high caliber of senior chess talent in the state.
IM Leonid Sokolin emerged as the 2025 New Jersey Senior Champion, delivering a poised and pragmatic performance across all five rounds. Tied for first with Nikoloz Managadze at 4.0/5, Sokolin clinched the title on tiebreaks and will represent the Garden State at the Irwin Cup, a national competition among state champions.
Open Section Highlights
- IM Leonid Sokolin and Nikoloz Managadze both scored 4.0/5, with Sokolin winning the title on tiebreaks.
- Guido Kampel secured third place with 3.5/5, demonstrating resilience and tactical sharpness.
- Carsten Hansen and Karl Dehmelt each scored 3.0/5, rounding out the top five.
A Community-Driven Success
The New Jersey Chess Federation, in partnership with the South Jersey Innovation Center, continues to play a pivotal role in advancing chess across the region. Through consistent organization of rated events and championships, these institutions are cultivating a welcoming and dynamic chess community for players of all ages and abilities.
The success of the 2025 New Jersey Senior Chess Championship is a reflection of the enduring passion, depth of talent, and competitive spirit that define New Jersey’s senior chess scene. With events like these, the state reaffirms its commitment to honoring lifelong excellence in the royal game.