Harshana and Sayuni excel
Harshana Thilakaratne of Maliyadeva
Harshana Thilakaratne of Maliyadeva College, Kurunegala had a smooth sail to win the Sri Lanka National Men’s Chess championship while Sayuni Gihansa Jayaweera clinched the Women’s Championship at the National Chess Championship worked off at the Chess Federation Headquarters, Nugegoda recently.
Thilakaratne, a top ranked player in the last three decades over came former national champion Isuru Alahakoon scoring 11 points out of possible 13 points. Alahakoon was given only four draws as Thilakaratne rode on his reputation.
The Devan was one point ahead from the early stage and achieved the championship in the 10th round. He proudly walked away with the glittering Men’s National Championship trophy and a gold medal along with a cash award of Rs. 100,000/-.
Sayuni Jayaweera of of Dharmasoka College, Ambalangoda
Alahakoon received a silver medal and a cash award of Rs. 50,000/- as the 1st runner-up. Chinthaka Anuruddha finished in the third spot to receive a bronze medal and a cash prize of Rs. 25,000/- Chirasana Lamahewa and Nalandian L.M.S.T. De Silva were placed 4th and 5th to fill the national chess team this year.
Sayuni Jayaweera exhibited some masterly moves in the finals to be crowned as the national Women’s Chess Champion to receive the Championship Trophy and a gold medal together with a cash award of Rs. 60,000/-. She too didn’t find any difficulties to walk to glory with 11.5 point.
Young Visakhian Devnethumi Dahampriya who improved to the level in a short period finished the finals with 9 points from 13 to receive a silver medal and a cash award of Rs. 30,000/-.
Asvini Pavelchandran won the bronze medal for occupying the 3rd spot. She maintained a standard level throughout the competition.
Nethumi Fernando and Nillesha Tharushi finished in 4th and 5th spots to fill the Women’s National Team.
– Lakshman Ranasinghe