Kosala and Devindya claim Sri Lanka National Premier Division Chess titles
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The stage was set for a display of chess brilliance at the Sri Lanka Open and Women’s National Premier Division Chess Championships 2024, held at the Sanhinda Leisure Centre in Nugegoda. Organised by the Chess Federation of Sri Lanka, this prestigious event boasted a generous cash prize, along with certificates, medals, and trophies awaiting the deserving victors. Serving as the final selection event before the Sri Lanka Nationals, both championships unfolded over 11 rounds, adhering to a time control of 90 minutes plus 30-seconds increment from the first move.
In a fiercely contested Open event, 110 players vied for supremacy. Kosala Sandeepa Chamikara Amarathunga of the Mayor Chess Club emerged triumphant, securing the championship with an impressive score of 8.5 out of 11 points. A closely contested field saw five players tied for the first runner-up position, with Pesandu Rashmitha Liyanage of D.S. Senanayake College and CM A.A.C.B. Amarasinghe of Alawwa National School ultimately clinching the first and second runner-up positions respectively, courtesy of their superior tie breaks.
Meanwhile, in the Women’s event, 89 formidable players battled for top honours. Devindya Oshini Gunawardhana of Wycherly International School showcased her impeccable skill and resilience, securing the championship with a flawless score of 10 out of 11 points, while remaining unbeaten throughout the event. A gripping competition ensued for the first runner-up position, with WCM Ehsha Mishela Pallie of Visakha Vidyalaya emerging victorious with a superior tie break over AFM Dulinma Hemalni Rathnayake of Viharamahadevi Balika Vidyalaya, who secured the second runner-up position.