The Commonwealth Chess Championship 2024 is halfway through its rigorous schedule, with six out of nine rounds completed. The championship, which began on August 28 and runs until September 5, is being held at the Citrus Hotel in Waskaduwa, Sri Lanka. Organized by the Chess Federation of Sri Lanka on behalf of the Commonwealth Chess Association and FIDE, this event is a significant highlight in the international chess calendar. The championship features an open competition and youth championships, with categories for Under 08, 10, 12, 14, 16, and 18, separately for boys and girls.
A total of 257 players from five federations are competing in this prestigious event. The competition has attracted an impressive lineup of chess talent, including 11 Grandmasters (GMs), 2 Woman Grandmasters (WGMs), 7 International Masters (IMs), 3 Woman International Masters (WIMs), 3 FIDE Masters (FMs), and 3 Woman FIDE Masters (WFMs). Sri Lanka boasts the largest contingent, with 171 participants.
Current Standings After Six Rounds
Open Category: GM S.P. Sethuraman of India is currently leading with 5 out of 6 points. Close behind are nine players with 4.5 points each, making the competition fierce. IM C.R.G. Krishna of India and GM Nikhil P Shyaam of India are ranked second and third, respectively, based on tie-breaks.
Under 18 Open Category: After four rounds, Ajay Santhosh Parvathareddy of India leads with a perfect score of 4/4. FM Gaurang Bagwe of India is in second place with 3.5 points, while A A Kavishka Gimshan Laksiri of Sri Lanka holds third place with 3 points.
Under 18 Girls Category: Leah Rice of Singapore is leading with 3.5/4 points. Close behind are two Indian players: WCM Datta Rajanya with 3 points and Siya Sagar with 2 points.
Under 16 Open Category: Two Indian players are tied at the top with 4.5 points each: Goyal Daksh in first place and IM Ethan Vaz in second place, both showing strong form. S Rohith of India is in third place with 4 points.
Under 16 Girls Category: WFM Shubhi Gupta of India is leading with 5 points. Following her are AFM Jain Yashvi with 4.5 points in second place and G Mallar Arya of India in third with 4 points.
Under 14 Open Category: Viresh Sharnarthi of India is leading with 3.5/4 points. Maharth Godhani and V Raghav, both from India, are in second and third places, respectively, each with 3 points.
Under 14 Girls Category: Two players are tied at the top with 3.5 points each. WCM Arshiya Das of India is ranked first due to tie-breaks, followed by AFM Ruhani Raj Asudani of India. J M Theruni V Jayasundara of Sri Lanka is in third place with 3 points.
Under 12 Open Category: Majumder Mayukh of India leads with 5 points. Trailing closely are two Indian players, Atha Shubh and Akhil Prasad Sri, both with 4.5 points.
Under 12 Girls Category: WCM Bordoloi Pratitee of India is ahead with 5 points. Three Indian players—Shah Hanya, Ranganath Aadya, and Siddhi Rao—are in pursuit, each with 4.5 points.
Under 10 Open Category: A P Chenitha Sihas Dinsara Karunasena of Sri Lanka leads with 5.5 points. Thehas Rithmitha Kiringoda, also from Sri Lanka, is second with 5 points, while Advik, Amit Agrawal of India, is in third with 4.5 points.
Under 10 Girls Category: The top three positions are dominated by Indian players: WCM Aaradhya Das is in first with 5.5 points, Bijesh Divi is second with 5 points, and Pungavanam Samhita is third with 4 points.
Under 08 Open Category: Indian players are leading, with Phutane Ayaan in first place and ACM Sarbartho Mani in second, both having 5.5 points. Senula Nethvidu Withanage of Sri Lanka is in third with 4.5 points.
Under 08 Girls Category: M Harshika of India is leading with a perfect score of 6/6 points. Two Sri Lankan players, O R Hasini Anuththara Ranasinghe and Warnakulasuriya Eleesha Fernando, are tied in second and third places, each with 5 points.
With remaining rounds, the competition promises more exciting and strategic battles as players vie for top honours. The Commonwealth Chess Championship 2024 has already demonstrated a high level of talent and determination among its participants. As the tournament progresses, chess enthusiasts can look forward to witnessing more thrilling games and impressive performances. Best wishes to all players for the remaining rounds
