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Co-champs at National Spelling Bee for first time in 52 years

Two boys tied for first place in the Scripps National Spelling Bee on Thursday night — the first time co-champions have been crowned in 52 years.

Sriram Hathwar, of 14, of Painted Post, NY, and Ansun Sujoe, 13, of Fort Worth, Texas, spelled so many words correctly in a row, there weren’t enough left on the list to continue the contest, organizers said.

In the final round, Sriram aced the brain-bender “stichomythia” — dialogue between two dueling actors. Ansun nailed “feuilleton,” which is part of a European newspaper.

“I think we both know that the competition was against the dictionary, not against each other … I am happy to share this trophy with him,” Sriram said on ESPN after the win.

Ansun was thrilled, too.

“I was anxious to get done … All of that hard work paid off,” he told the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.

Other contestants didn’t do as well.

A tragically funny video clip shows contestant Jacob Williamson celebrating before he actually won — then realizing he didn’t.

Williamson received the word “kabaragoya” — a large lizard native to Southeast Asia — and proudly announced, “Kabaragoya! I know that!”

After he spelled it with a “c,” and a buzzer informed him he was wrong, he shouted “Whaaaat?!” in disbelief.

Other contestants who misspelled words said they planned to switch study habits for future competitions.

“Now I’ll prepare more for the finals, and try to go through more esoteric words,” said Tejas Muthusamy, 11.

The last time there were co-champions in the bee was in 1962, organizers said. Before that, there were ties in 1950 and 1957.

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The winners shake heads after both being named champions.
The winners shake hands after both being named champions.UPI
Eliminated spellers take a selfie, or a “spellfie.”Getty Images
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Eliminated spellers take a selfie, or a “spellfie.”
Getty Images
Ansun, left, and Sriram celebrate onstage.
Ansun (left) and Sriram celebrate onstage.Getty Images
Katharine Close, the 2006 National Spelling Bee champ.
Katharine Close, the 2006 National Spelling Bee champ. UPI
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David Tidmarsh, 14, won in 2004.
David Tidmarsh, 14, won in 2004. AP
12-year-old George Abraham Thampy won in 2000.
12-year-old George Abraham Thampy won in 2000. AP
Jody-Anne Maxwell of Ardenne High School in Kingston, Jamaica was the champion in 1998.
Jody-Anne Maxwell of Kingston, Jamaica, was the champion in 1998.AP
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Geoff Hooper won with the word “kamikaze” in 1993.
Geoff Hooper won with the word “kamikaze” in 1993. AP
Jacques Bailly won with the word “elucubrate” in 1980.
Jacques Bailly won with the word “elucubrate” in 1980. AP
13-year-old Barrie Trinkle correctly spelled “vouchsafe” to win in 1973.
13-year-old Barrie Trinkle correctly spelled “vouchsafe” to win in 1973. AP
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Jonathan P. Knisely won in 1971.
Jonathan P. Knisely won in 1971.AP
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