Gusain and Sandithi triumph at 11th Dhamso Intl Chess Festival
View(s):IM Himas Gusain was crowned the DICF Player of the Year at the 11th Dhamso International Chess Festival (DICF) 2024, while Sandithi Kusalya Alwis emerged as the Women’s Champion of the event. The 11th Dhamso International Chess Festival 2024 took place from May 17 to 21, boasting a record-breaking participation of 472 players. Held at the prestigious S. Thomas de Silva Memorial Auditorium, Dharmasoka College, the DICF 2024 was a FIDE-rated event encompassing both standard and blitz championships.
The Old Boys’ Chess Association organised this esteemed championship with the affiliation of FIDE, the Asian Chess Federation, and the Chess Federation of Sri Lanka. Since its inauguration in 2011, the Dhamso International Chess Festival has remained the first FIDE-rated event organised by a school-affiliated association in Sri Lanka.
Himal Gusain receiving the title from chief guest Raweendra Pushpakumara, Dharmasoka principal K.A.D. Karunarathna and Sasith Nipun Piyumantha, President of Dharmasoka OB' Chess Association
This year’s event offered a total prize fund of Rs. 1.5 million, including trophies, medals, and certificates for all participants, along with a special cash prize for the DICF Player of the Year. The tournament featured top players from Sri Lanka and beyond, with International Master Himal Gusain of India leading the ranks. International Master Harshana Thilakarathna of Sri Lanka also graced the event, securing the second position in the starting rank list.
In the main event, IM Himal Gusain clinched the Open Championship with a remarkable score of 9.5 out of 10 points, conceding only one draw to IM Harshana Thilakarathne, who secured the first runner-up position with 9 out of 10 points. G.W.D.M. Dabarera secured the second runner-up position with 8.5 out of 10 points.
In the Women’s Championship, Sandithi Kusalya Alwis emerged victorious with 7.5 out of 10 points, edging out competitors in a closely contested event. Four players tied for the championship with 7.5 out of 10 points. Sethumlee Devhara Palliyage and B. Yenuthi Sahanlee Perera secured the first and second runner-up positions, respectively. J.M. Theruni Jayasundara had to be satisfied with fourth place with her tie-break.
Sandithi Kusalya Alwis (R) receiving her title from Raweendra Pushpakumara, K.A.D. Karunarathna and Sasith Nipun Piyumantha at the awards ceremony of the 11th DICF 2024 held at Ambalangoda
Parallel to the main event, the Dhamso International Blitz Chess Championship 2024 unfolded on the evening of May 18. Harsha Senarathne and WCM Dahamdi Sanudula emerged victorious in the Open and Women categories of the blitz event, respectively. T.H.D. Thisarindu Induwara and C.C. Weerasinghe secured the first and second runner-up positions in the Open category, while Sethumlee Devhara Palliyage and M. Esandi Newansa claimed the corresponding positions in the Women’s category.
University of Moratuwa claimed the title in the Higher Education Teams category, with Sabaragamuwa University securing the first runners-up position. In the Government Service and Mercantile Teams category, Sri Lanka Navy Western Command and Sri Lanka Navy Southern Command emerged as champions and first runners-up, respectively. Apart from competitive matches, rating category prizes and age group winners were also recognised for their outstanding performances.
The awards ceremony was graced by distinguished guests, including Raweendra Pushpakumara as the chief guest, who was the first chess coach of Dharmasoka College and former master in-charge of chess, who currently serves as the Principal of Sri Sumangala College, Panadura. Additionally, Luxman Wijesuriya, the President of the Chess Federation of Sri Lanka was present, along with Saman Priyantha Wijewickrama, and K.A.D. Karunarathna, the Principal of Dharmasoka College, further highlighting the significance of the event in the chess community.
The success of the 11th Dhamso International Chess Festival 2024 was made possible through the generous support of sponsors, including Qatar Alumina of Dharmasoka College, Dharmasoka College Past Pupils’ Association of UAE, Akra Foto Digital Colourlab and Studio, Inluck Computers and Printers, and Panhinda Bookshop.