Sanudula takes lead after halfway mark
Tharushi Niklesha
Sanudula Dahamdi of Musaeus College took the lead with 5 points out of 6 games after she beat Naduni Abeywardena in the sixth round at the halfway mark of the 2nd Sri Lanka Women’s Chess Grand Prix 2021 being held at the Chess Federation headquarters in Nugegoda.
Dahamdi Sanudula
Sanudula beat Gaveshi Wickramarathne in the fifth round earlier in the day before her quest to the top later on. Sanudula, who is one of the strongest youth players in Sri Lanka will face her challenges in the next session when the tournament recommences this weekend.
The 2nd Sri Lanka Women’s Chess Grand Prix 2021 is conducted by the Chess Federation of Sri Lanka with a total Prize fund of Rs. 70,000. Only 12 top players in the country are participating in this event which is conducted on Round Robin Basis for 11 rounds.
Tharushi Niklesha of Visakha Vidyalaya got a draw with Gaveshi Wickramarathne, an upcoming player to stay in 4½ points, just a half a point less to the leader. She beat her schoolmate Pasindi Wijesuriya in the fifth round. Former Women’s National Chess champion, Dasuni Hansika Mendis and Sri Lanka Women’s National No.2 Sandeepani Tharushi are sharing the third place with 4 points. Dasuni beat Oshini Gunawardena and Sandeepani beat Esha Pallie in the fifth round. The next rounds will commence this weekend at the same venue.
