7th Negombo International Chess Festival 2023

Grand Master S. Dhopade Swapnil of India emerged as the undisputed champion, showcasing exceptional chess mastery and clinching the coveted title. His strategic finesse and unwavering determination led him to this remarkable triumph.

Devindya Oshini Gunawardhana rose to glory as the women's champion, displaying unparalleled skill and precision on

the chessboard. Her victory is a testament to the power of determination and dedication.

GM S. Dhopade Swapnil

The 7th Negombo International Chess Festival 2023, a grand celebration of chess prowess, unfolded from the 26th to the 30th of August at the scenic Wet Water Resort in Ekala, Sri Lanka. This prestigious event, a testament to the enduring spirit of chess, was brought to life through the collaborative efforts of the Gampaha District Chess Association, the Chess Federation of Sri Lanka, and FIDThis thrilling chess extravaganza featured two remarkable championships: the standard event and the blitz championship. With nearly Rs 900,000.00 in prizes, along with certificates, medals, and trophies, at stake, the competition was fierce.

In the standard championship, a total of 561 formidable players engaged in 10 rounds of intense competition, following a Swiss format. The time control was set at 90 minutes, with a 30-second increment from move 01.

India's Grand Master S. Dhopade Swapnil emerged as the victor, claiming the open championship with an impressive score of 9.5/10 points. His journey to victory was marked by an unbeaten streak, with just one draw in the final round. S D Nadev Insara secured the first runner-up position, amassing 8.5/10 points, while a group of eight talented players tied for the second runner-up place with 8/10 points. Through a superior tiebreak, R K T Dissanayake clinched the second runner-up position.

In the women's championship, Devindya Oshini Gunawardhana, representing Wycherley International School, emerged victorious with a score of 8/10 points. The first runner-up position was shared by two players with 7.5/10 points, with AFM R M Dulinma Hemalni Rathnayake securing the position due to a higher tiebreak. Ashvini Pavalachandran of Wycherley International School displayed exceptional talent, earning the second runner-up position.

Devindya Oshini Gunawardhana

In the blitz championship, 312 passionate players participated in 9 rounds of exhilarating chess, also adhering to a Swiss format. The time control for this event was set at 3 minutes, with a 2-second increment from move 01.

IM L M S T De Silva of Sri Lanka emerged as the open championship winner, showcasing his prowess with an impressive score of 8.5/9 points. His unbeaten run, with just one draw in the 7th round, earned him the championship. FM Ranindu Dilshan Liyanage shared the same score but secured the first runner-up position based on a higher tiebreak. Five players tied for the second runner-up position with 7.5/9 points, and CM A A C B Amarasinghe claimed the second runner-up spot with a superior tiebreak.

IM L M S T De Silva

Category awards added another layer of recognition to the winners' achievements.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Grand Master S. Dhopade Swapnil, Devindya Oshini Gunawardhana,
and IM L M S T De Silva, champions of the 7th Negombo International Chess Festival 2023. Your dedication, skill,

and sportsmanship has enriched the world of chess.

We eagerly anticipate your future accomplishments in the world of chess.

Links for the championships 

Standard - https://chess-results.com/tnr809079.aspx?lan=1&art=1&rd=10&turdet=YES&flag=30

Blitz - https://chess-results.com/tnr811419.aspx?lan=1&art=1&rd=9&turdet=YES&flag=30

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