Jaffna International Chess Championship 2024: A Grand Celebration of Excellence.
The Jaffna International Chess Championship 2024 concluded with resounding success, uniting some of the finest chess players from across the region in a prestigious tournament. Held from 30th November to 4th December 2024 at the Chelva Palace, Kokuvil, Jaffna, Sri Lanka, the event showcased exceptional talent and competitive spirit. Organized by the Jaffna District Chess Association under the aegis of the Chess Federation of Sri Lanka, Asian Chess Federation, and FIDE, the championship featured an impressive prize pool of LKR 2.4 million, accompanied by medals, trophies, and certificates for the winners.
The tournament drew an outstanding 744 participants, competing in a 10-round Swiss format with a time control of 90 minutes plus a 30-second increment from move one. Players vied for glory across the Open and Women’s categories, with additional accolades awarded for performance in rating and age-based categories.
The Open Championship witnessed intense competition, with top players delivering exceptional performances:
Champion: IM Nubairshah Shaikh Mohammad (India) – 9/10 points. Undefeated throughout the event, Nubairshah secured the title through superior tie-breaks.
First Runner-Up: S. Sivathanujan (Sri Lanka) – 9/10 points
Despite tying with Nubairshah, Sivathanujan settled for the second position based on tie-breaks.
Second Runner-Up: Prajwal P. Shet (India) – 8.5/10 points
Other notable performers included:
4th Place: IM Ponnuswamy Konguvel (India)
5th Place: A. A. H. M. B. Senarathne (Sri Lanka)
6th Place: Dhanushka Bandara (Sri Lanka)
7th Place: Ghorai Samrat (India)
8th Place: Borpatra Gohain Santanu (India)
Women’s Category Results
The Women’s Championship featured equally impressive performances:
Champion: H. M. H. Janandani Abeysinghe (Sri Lanka) – 8/10 points. Janandani demonstrated exceptional skill to claim the title.
First Runner-Up: Chonara P. W. Binudi (Sri Lanka) – 7.5/10 points (tie-break)
Second Runner-Up: Mithura Sutharsan (Sri Lanka) – 7.5/10 points
Beyond the championship titles, participants were recognized for their achievements in various rating and age group categories, fostering inclusivity and encouraging players at all levels.
The Jaffna International Chess Championship 2024 marked a milestone in Sri Lanka’s chess calendar, providing a platform for seasoned professionals and emerging talents to compete at an international standard. The event underscored the island’s growing prominence as a chess destination, contributing to the sport’s development in the region.
The organizers expressed their gratitude to all participants, sponsors, and supporters who made the championship a grand success. Heartfelt congratulations to the champions and all competitors for their remarkable performances.
The Jaffna International Chess Championship 2024 not only celebrated the brilliance of chess but also highlighted the unifying spirit of the game, promising even greater events in the future.
