The Sri Lanka National Novices Chess Championship 2026 Mullaitivu District concluded with exceptional performances from the region’s brightest young chess talents. The championship was organized by the Chess Federation of Sri Lanka and showcased the growing strength of chess in the Northern Province.
Open Category: Arulmainthan’s Strong Performance
In an impressive display of chess skill, Pathmanithy Arulmainthan emerged victorious in the Open Category with 5.5 points from 6 rounds. Arulmainthan’s commanding campaign featured five victories and one strategic draw in the second round, demonstrating consistent tactical awareness and strategic depth throughout the competition. His ability to maintain composure under pressure and execute precise combinations secured the championship title.
Suresh Thanish finished as first runner-up, also scoring 5.5 points from 6 rounds but settling for second place based on tie-break calculations. Thanish’s tournament was characterized by strong performances with important victories and a crucial draw in the opening round. His fighting spirit and positional understanding were evident throughout the championship, pushing the eventual winner until the final stages.
Thajiparan Tharun claimed third position with 5 points from 6 rounds. Tharun’s campaign showcased excellent tactical abilities with powerful victories in the crucial middle rounds. His strategic play and endgame technique kept him in contention for the top positions throughout the tournament.
Sayanthan Thamilpiriyan finished fourth with 5 points from 6 rounds, displaying remarkable chess prowess. Thamilpiriyan’s performance included decisive victories in the opening rounds, demonstrating strong preparation and tactical vision that established him as one of the tournament’s top performers.
Johnson Sharon rounded out the top five with 5 points from 6 rounds. Sharon’s tournament featured consistent play with important victories against strong opponents, showcasing solid positional understanding throughout the championship.
Women’s Category: Sivanya’s Perfect Campaign
The Women’s Mullaitivu District championship witnessed a dominant performance by Santhiramagulesan Sivanya, who emerged victorious with a perfect 5 points from 5 rounds. Sivanya’s flawless campaign featured victories against every opponent she faced, demonstrating exceptional tactical precision and strategic mastery. Her commanding play throughout the tournament established her as the undisputed champion of the category.
Venugopala Shanger Chandraleksha finished as first runner-up with 4 points from 5 rounds. Chandraleksha’s tournament showcased strong chess skills with impressive victories in the crucial rounds. Her consistent performance and fighting spirit secured the runner-up position.
B Vaishnavi claimed third position with 4 points from 5 rounds. Vaishnavi’s campaign featured powerful victories against strong opponents, including decisive wins in the middle rounds that confirmed the bronze medal position.
T Akshaya finished fourth with 4 points from 5 rounds. Akshaya’s performance was marked by solid tactical execution and strategic planning, with important victories throughout the competition.
M Lavinsha completed the top five with 3.5 points from 5 rounds. Lavinsha demonstrated strong positional understanding and resilience, with crucial draws in critical positions maintaining competitive play throughout the championship.
Tournament Format and Highlights
The Open Category championship was conducted as a 6-round Swiss system tournament, while the Women’s category featured 5 rounds. Both tournaments used standard time control of 90 minutes plus a 30-second increment from move one. The championships attracted talented young players from across the Mullaitivu District, demonstrating the depth of chess talent in the region.
The tournament saw several exciting encounters throughout the rounds, with players displaying advanced tactical skills and strategic planning. The competitive nature of both events highlighted the growing interest in chess among young players in the Mullaitivu District, with many showing tremendous potential for future success in national competitions.
The perfect performance by Sivanya in the Women’s category and the closely contested battle at the top of the Open category both served as testaments to the high level of chess being played in the district. The championship provided an excellent platform for these young talents to showcase their skills and gain valuable competitive experience.
Congratulations to all participants and winners of the Sri Lanka National Novices Chess Championship 2026 Mullaitivu District. The outstanding performances demonstrated the bright future of chess in the Northern Province and showcased the dedication and talent of Mullaitivu’s young players.
