Jaffna International Blitz Chess Championship 2024: Champions Crowned in a Prestigious Event
The Jaffna International Blitz Chess Championship 2024 concluded on 1st December 2024 at Chelva Palace, Kokuvil, Jaffna, Sri Lanka, with remarkable performances by players from across the region. Organised by the Jaffna District Chess Association on behalf of the Chess Federation of Sri Lanka, the Asian Chess Federation, and FIDE, the tournament drew an impressive 398 participants.
Open Champion: Prajwal P. Shet of India dominated the Open category with an exceptional 8.5/9 points, remaining unbeaten throughout the tournament.
Women’s Champion: U Vishaleni of Sri Lanka clinched the Women’s Championship with 7/9 points, demonstrating consistent and strong play.
The event, conducted in a 9-round Swiss format with a time control of 3 minutes plus a 2-second increment, featured a total prize fund of LKR 215,000, alongside trophies, medals, and certificates for winners.
Open Category Results
- Champion: Prajwal P. Shet (India) – 8.5/9 points
- First Runner-Up: Banerjee Sambarta (India) – 8/9 points (superior tie-break)
- Second Runner-Up: IM Nubairshah Shaikh Mohammad (India) – 8/9 points
- 4th Place: Sivathanujan S. (Sri Lanka)
- 5th Place: Barua Priyanshu (India)
- 6th Place: Dhanushka Bandara (Sri Lanka)
Women’s Category Results
- Champion: U. Vishaleni (Sri Lanka) – 7/9 points (tie-break advantage)
- First Runner-Up: Mathura Sutharsan (Sri Lanka) – 7/9 points
- Second Runner-Up: Imethra Mendis (Sri Lanka) – 6.5/9 points
Special Awards
The tournament also recognised winners in various rating categories and age groups, celebrating the diversity of talent in attendance.
The Jaffna International Blitz Chess Championship 2024 served as a platform for players from different countries to showcase their skills and compete in a spirited environment. The organisers’ efforts in fostering the game of chess in the region were evident in the seamless execution of the event.
Congratulations to all the champions, runners-up, and participants for their outstanding performances!
