A A H M B Senarathne emerged victorious in the Open Category of the National Amateur International Rated Chess Championship 2025, securing the title with an impressive performance. The championship was held from October 3 to 7, 2025, at the Sarvodaya Vishwa Samadhi Hall in Moratuwa.
The Open Category was organized by the Chess Federation of Sri Lanka, under the direction of IA G. Luxman Wijesuriya as Tournament Director and IA H N Chathuranga Gunasena as Chief Arbiter. The championship was conducted as a 9-round Swiss format with a standard time control of 90 minutes plus a 30-second increment from move 1.
In a fiercely competitive field of over 200 players, A A H M B Senarathne dominated the tournament, scoring an exceptional 8 points out of 9 rounds. Senarathne’s campaign included crucial victories in the opening rounds and maintained consistent performance throughout. The champion secured victories against strong opponents and only suffered a single loss in round 7.
The battle for the championship was intense, with Y Jayaweera finishing as the first runner-up, also scoring 8 points but settling for second place based on tie-break scores. Jayaweera displayed remarkable consistency throughout the tournament, including a crucial victory in the final round that secured the second position.
AIM A A T Nethsara Dias claimed the third position with 7.5 points out of 9. Dias showcased excellent tactical skills, securing important draws against top-seeded players while maintaining a strong winning record. The performance included notable victories in the middle rounds that kept Dias in contention for the top spots.
I M N S Ilangasinghe also finished with 7.5 points, taking the fourth position based on tie-break calculations. Ilangasinghe’s tournament featured a series of impressive wins, demonstrating strong endgame technique and strategic planning throughout the event.
The tournament saw several other notable performances. Chenitha Mithvidu Ovitigala scored 7 points and finished fifth, while H H Sasindu Lakshitha, Losara Methyuga Kulatunge, and Lohas Dewmina Rodrigo also achieved 7-point scores, showcasing the depth of talent in the competition.
Young talents made their mark as well, with CM A A C B Amarasinghe, AIM A A T Nethsara Dias, and several Arena International Masters and FIDE Masters demonstrating the rising standard of Sri Lankan chess.
The championship featured several exciting encounters in the final rounds, with players battling for every half-point. The tie-break system came into play for multiple positions, highlighting the competitive nature of the event.
The tournament was supported by a team of experienced arbiters including FA T M Dilan Udayashantha as Deputy Chief Arbiter, along with arbiters Pasindu Manelka Kandamby and W V A K P Perera.
Congratulations to all the participants and winners for their outstanding performances at the National Amateur International Rated Chess Championship 2025. The event once again demonstrated the growing strength and depth of amateur chess in Sri Lanka.
