Oshini Devindya claims 4th Sri Lanka Youth Chess Grand Prix 2023
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Devindya receiving her award from CFSL President Laxman Wijesuriya
Devindya Oshini Gunawardhana defeated Sanuk Nanayakkara to claim the championship of the 4th Sri Lanka Youth Chess Grand Prix 2023 which was held at the CFSL Headquarters at Independence Avenue in Colombo.
After the initial group level, the top seven players from Group ‘A’, the top five players from Group ‘B’ and the top four players from Group ‘C’ were selected for the pre-quarterfinals. From that round, eight qualified for the quarter-finals, which went on until the grand final on knockout basis.
The Group ‘A’ included D.D.L.N. Dandeniya, Thumula Theekshana Fernando, Devindya Oshini Gunawardhana, Thisarindu Induwara, Sanuk Nanayakkara, Dulinma Hemalni Rathnayake, Pamok Methdinu Samaranayake, Daham Sathsara, Minura Sathsindu and B.K. Senevirathne.
Kawya Dineth Akarsha, Jayandi Bimansa, Jathunge Sanjul Deenad, Thisanga Hasarel Edussooriya,
E.G.Y.T. Gamlath, Kulara Jayasanka, Theruni Jayasundara, Chenitha Karunasena, Imethra Mendis, M.A.D.D.D. Munasinghe and Thisara Randinu Perera formed Group ‘B’.
The Group ‘C’ had Mohomed Fazil, Diyon Senuth Randilu Fernando, Mayon Dinuth Mindula Fernando, Vaneesha Oshini Gomes, Aritha Chanthula Abes Gunasekara, Chanuth Nadil Jayakody, Ruvin Jayasuriya, Ranul Insitha Kannangara, Sadew Denuwan Rathnagoda, Sasmi Sithumsa and Vinuka Dihain Wijerathna.
After the quarter-finals eventual winner Devindya Oshini Gunawardhana, D.C.B.K. Senevirathne, Sanuk Nanayakkara and Vinuka Dihain Wijerathna qualified for the semi-finals, from which Devindya and Sanuk competed for the championship. Devindya Oshini secured the title, forcing Sanuk to settle in for the runner-up position. Vinuka Dihain overcame Senevirathne in the third place playoff.
The event was organised by the Chess Federation of Sri Lanka (CFSL) with cash awards, certificates, medals and trophies on offer. In the initial stage, 32 youth players played in three groups in round robin format. Time control of the whole event is 90 minutes plus 30 seconds increment from the first move.