The inaugural DINI International Chess Championship 2024 is poised to be a landmark event in the history of Sri Lankan chess. Scheduled from July 29th to August 4th, 2024, at the prestigious Mount Lavinia Hotel, this tournament promises to bring together some of the finest chess talents from around the globe.
Organised by the Blue & Gold Chess Club, the DINI International features a substantial prize fund of USD 20,000 (approximately six million Sri Lankan rupees). The open champion will take home nine hundred thousand Sri Lankan rupees, while the women’s champion will be awarded two hundred fifty thousand Sri Lankan rupees. This makes DINI International the most significant chess tournament ever organised in Sri Lanka, both in terms of the prize fund and the level of competition.
A total of 159 players will compete in this high-stakes tournament, including ten Grand Masters, eight International Masters, and five FIDE Masters. The top seed of the tournament is GM Diptayan Ghosh from India, with an impressive ELO rating of 2568. Adding to the excitement, Sri Lanka’s own WIM Devindya Oshini Gunawardhana, the Western Asian Junior Girls Champion, will also be competing, showcasing her skills on this prominent stage.
The tournament will be conducted in a ten-round Swiss format, with a time control of 90 minutes plus a 30-second increment from move one. This format ensures a fair and competitive environment, allowing the best players to emerge victorious through a series of challenging matches.
The venue for this grand event, Mount Lavinia Hotel, is steeped in history. With over 210 years of heritage, this colonial-era hotel has become an iconic landmark in Sri Lanka. Known for its splendid architecture and ambience, the Mount Lavinia Hotel reflects the grandeur and charm of old Ceylon. It originally served as the residence of the colonial Governor-General, adding a layer of historical romance to its distinguished past.
This championship not only highlights Sri Lanka’s growing prominence in the international chess community but also underscores the country’s dedication to promoting and supporting chess at all levels. The involvement of the Blue & Gold Chess Club and the substantial prize fund are testaments to the commitment to elevating the standard of chess competitions in the region.
The DINI International Chess Championship 2024 promises to be an event filled with strategic brilliance and competitive spirit. Chess enthusiasts and supporters are encouraged to stay tuned with ChessSL for live updates, game analyses, and comprehensive coverage of this prestigious tournament. The Blue & Gold Chess Club is thrilled to host this significant event and looks forward to celebrating the skill and determination of all participants.
Stay tuned with ChessSL for updates on this exciting chess event where Blue & Gold Chess Club is bringing this event to life
