Final results for Houston spellers at Scripps Spelling Bee

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- For the first time in 52 years, two spellers have been declared co-champions of the Scripps National Spelling Bee.

Sriram Hathwar of Painted Post, New York, and Ansun Sujoe of Fort Worth, Texas, shared the title after a riveting final-round duel Thursday night in which they nearly exhausted the 25 designated championship words. After they spelled a dozen words correctly in a row, they both were named champions.

Two Houston-area students were among 44 school children who competed in the semi-finals of the 2014 Scripps National Spelling Bee.

Syamantak Payra, an 8th grader at Westbrook Intermediate School in Friendswood, was eliminated in the 5th round after misspelling the word circumforaneous. It means "wandering from place to place or market to market." Payra incorrectly placed an 'e' where the 'o' should be. The crowd gave him a standing ovation as he walked off the stage.

"I am extremely grateful for this awesome and enriching experience," said Payra. "Though I'm disappointed with the outcome this year, the self-discipline and knowledge I've amassed through the last six years will stay with me through the rest of my life."

This was Payra's last year to compete. He finished tied for 37th place. Last year, he tied for 7th.

Shobha Dasari, a 7th grader at Pearland Junior High School West, advanced to the 6th round by correctly spelling the word seidel. She was then eliminated after misspelling the word 'helophyte'. She added an extra 'l' to the word, which is a top of bog plant.

"The best thing about participating at the national bee is meeting and learning from the other spellers," said Dasari. "I didn't do as well as I wanted to this year but I will do my best and try again next year."

Dasari finished tied for 32nd place this year. Last year, she tied for 19th.

Two kids from Texas did advance to the finals. Sugoe, and Kate Miller from Abilene. Miller was eliminated.

The Associated Press contributed to this report