The chess world in Sri Lanka witnessed a display of remarkable talent and strategic brilliance as S Sivathanujan and Desandhi Dhihansa Gamage emerged as the champions of the 9th National Amateur International Rated Chess Championships 2023. Held from August 4th to 7th, 2023, at the MJF Centre by MJF Charitable Foundation in Katubedda, Sri Lanka, this prestigious event was organized by the Chess Federation of Sri Lanka.
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Left - Vice President (Development Commission) – Mr Thusha Wickramarachchi, S Sivathanujan |
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Left - Vice President (Development Commission) – Mr Thusha Wickramarachchi, Desandhi Dhihansa Gamage |
The 9th National Amateur International Rated Chess Championships 2023 featured both Open and Women's events, attracting top-notch players from across the nation. The event was held in a Swiss format, consisting of 9 rounds, with a time control of 90 minutes plus a 30-second increment from move 01. The tournament boasted a total cash fund of Rs 280,000.00, alongside certificates, medals, and trophies for the triumphant participants.
In the National Amateur Open Championship, S Sivathanujan displayed exceptional skills and tactical acumen, securing the championship with an impressive score of 8.5 out of 9 points. He navigated through the tournament with great finesse, remaining unbeaten and only conceding a draw in the 3rd round. Two players emerged as strong contenders for the first runner-up position, both with 7.5 out of 9 points. With a superior tie-break, Devindya Oshini Gunawardhana of Wycherley International School clinched the first runner-up title, while Ovin Vidmal Gamage settled for the second runner-up position.
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Left - Devindya Oshini Gunawardhana, S Sivathanujan, Ovin Vidmal Gamage |
In the National Amateur Women's Championship, Desandhi Dhihansa Gamage of Sirimavo Bandaranaike Vidyalaya showcased her brilliance on the chessboard, securing the championship with an impressive score of 8 out of 9 points. Despite a minor setback in the 2nd round, Desandhi's resilience and skill paved the way for her victory. AFM R M Dulinma Hemalni Rathnayake of Viharamahadevi Balika Vidyalaya demonstrated a remarkable performance, scoring 7.5 out of 9 points, earning her the first runner-up title. A closely contested battle saw three players tie for the second runner-up position, all with 7 out of 9 points. With a superior tie-break, ACM A G Javindi Avarjana Akuratiya of Ferguson High School secured the second runner-up position.
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Left - AFM R M Dulinma Hemalni Rathnayake, Desandhi Dhihansa Gamage, ACM A G Javindi Avarjana Akuratiya |
The culmination of this exciting championship was marked by a grand awards ceremony attended by Mr Thusha Wickramarachchi, one of the Vice Presidents (Development Commission) of CFSL, and Mr Erosh Jayasinghe, Treasurer of the CFSL. Their presence added honor and prestige to the event, as they celebrated the outstanding achievements of the winners.
The 9th National Amateur International Rated Chess Championships 2023 exemplified the talent, dedication, and passion for chess in Sri Lanka. Congratulations to S Sivathanujan and Desandhi Dhihansa Gamage for their exceptional triumphs in the Open and Women's events, respectively. The tournament serves as an inspiration for the chess community in the nation, nurturing a generation of brilliant chess minds. As the championship concluded with resounding success, let us celebrate the victories and anticipate the continued growth of chess excellence in Sri Lanka.
Links for the events
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