Ranindu and Devindya clinch National Chess titles
View(s):
Devindya Oshini Gunawardhana
The chess arena witnessed moments of brilliance and strategic prowess as International Master Ranindu Dilshan Liyanage and Devindya Oshini Gunawardhana emerged victorious in the Sri Lanka National Chess Championships 2024. The annual prestigious event, organised by the Chess Federation of Sri Lanka, reached its culmination last week, at the elegant Taj Samudra Hotel in Colombo, marking a significant milestone in the Sri Lanka National Cycle.
A total prize purse of Rs. One Million added zeal to the competition, with champions in both the Open and Women’s categories assured of handsome cash rewards. The championships unfolded as a 13-round round-robin format affair, with a time control of 90 minutes in addition to a 30-second increment from the first move. Notably, the event boasted the participation of a youthful cohort, making it one of the youngest Nationals in
Sri Lankan chess history.
Ranindu Dilshan Liyanage
In the fiercely contested Open event, International Master Ranindu Dilshan Liyanage, representing Läufer Chess Club, showcased exceptional skill and determination, securing the championship with an impressive score of 12 out of 13 points. Ranindu’s unbeaten streak throughout the event underscored his dominance on the board, with notable draws only in the third and 12th rounds. International Master L.M. Susal de Silva of Nalanda College clinched the first runner-up position with 11 out of 13 points, edging past competitors with a superior tiebreak. Meanwhile, International Master Harshana Thilakarathne of University of Moratuwa, secured the second runner-up position with an equally commendable score of 11 out of 13 points.
In the Women’s event, Devindya Oshini Gunawardhana, representing Wycherley International School, showcased remarkable talent and composure to claim the championship title with an impressive score of 11 out of 13 points. Devindya’s stellar performance established her as the youngest player to clinch the Women’s National Championship, a testament to her exceptional skill and dedication. Woman Candidate Master Ehsha Mishela Pallie of Visakha Vidyalaya, secured the first runner-up position with 10 out of 13 points, while Woman Candidate Master T.H.D. Niklesha Tharushi of University of Kelaniya, secured the second runner-up position with 9.5 out of 13 points, adding further depth to the competitive field.
The awards ceremony, graced by the presence of Luxman Wijesuriya, the President of the Chess Federation of Sri Lanka, and executive committee members, provided a fitting conclusion to the championships, celebrating the remarkable achievements of the players.