The 64 Squares Premier Rapid Chess Championship returned for its 7th Edition on March 2, 2026, at the 64 Squares International Chess Academy — Kandy Branch, delivering another memorable day of fast-paced chess action in Sri Lanka’s hill capital. Organized by the 64 Squares International Chess Academy and directed by FM and FIDE Trainer Rajeendra Kalugampitiya, this well-established rapid chess series has grown into one of the most anticipated fixtures on the Kandy chess calendar, and the 7th Edition once again lived up to its reputation with a highly competitive and entertaining ten-round Swiss competition.
The tournament was played under a rapid time control of 15 minutes per player with no increment, across ten rounds of Swiss System pairings. The field averaged a rating of 1476 with a remarkably young average age of just 15 — a powerful reflection of the thriving junior chess culture that 64 Squares International Chess Academy has helped cultivate across the Kandy region and beyond.
FM Weerasekara Dominates from Start to Finish
FM Dishal Nimsara Weerasekara was the standout performer of the entire event, producing a dominant and near-perfect campaign across all ten rounds to claim the 7th Edition title with an outstanding 9.5 points. The FIDE Master was a cut above the field throughout the day, losing only half a point across ten games and demonstrating the kind of precise, controlled rapid chess that befits his title. It was a commanding and deserving championship victory from one of Sri Lanka’s finest rated players.
I M N S Ilangasinghe produced an equally impressive campaign and was the only player to come close to matching the champion, finishing as runner-up with 9 points — an excellent result that underlined his quality as one of the leading performers in the field. The gap between first and second was razor-thin, and Ilangasinghe’s performance was a highlight of the entire event.
Third place went to G H S Sanulya with 7 points, while Senuka Damsath Somarathne matched that tally for fourth place on tie-break — both players delivering strong and consistent performances across the ten rounds. Asela Prabajith, Akitha Thennakoon, and K P K Hesara Gunasekara all finished with 6.5 points for fifth, sixth, and seventh places respectively, with S Harshil also claiming 6.5 points for eighth place in a closely contested mid-table battle. U P G M Sasmitha Palangoda and ACM Yasiru Mallawa completed the top ten, both finishing with 6 points in a competitive and hard-fought field.
A Tournament Series That Keeps on Growing
Now in its 7th Edition, the 64 Squares Premier Rapid Chess Championship has established itself as one of the most consistent and well-run rapid chess events in Sri Lanka. The series has been a cornerstone of chess development in the Kandy region, providing players of all ages and ratings with a high-quality competitive platform and a pathway to improve their rapid chess skills under proper Swiss System conditions. With an average age of just 15 across this edition’s field, the tournament continues to serve as a vital proving ground for Sri Lanka’s next generation of chess talent.
Congratulations to champion FM Dishal Nimsara Weerasekara, runner-up I M N S Ilangasinghe, and every participant who competed in the 64 Squares Premier Rapid Chess Championship 2026 — 7th Edition. Special thanks to FM and FIDE Trainer Rajeendra Kalugampitiya and the entire 64 Squares International Chess Academy team for once again delivering a superbly organised event. We look forward to an even stronger 8th Edition! ♟️🇱🇰
