The Ethugalpura International Blitz Chess Championship 2024 gathered 669 players for this electrifying battle of speed and strategy. The contest running over 9 rounds brought out only the very best in the game of blitz chess.
Indrajeet Mahindrakar played a perfect game to win the Open Championship Blitz with a stunning 9 points. His accuracy and unrivaled ability in outplaying his opponents at crucial stages of the game got him the title and the prize of 50,000 LKR.
On the women’s front, WCM K M Dahamdi Sanudula was a true star of the tournament. With sharp calculations and strategic brilliance, she secured 8 points, earning her recognition as the best woman player and the Women’s Championship winner, along with a prize of 30,000 LKR.
Top Performers Who Dominated the Boards
- Indrajeet Mahindrakar (9 points): faultless, Indrajeet won the championship with precision. His finesse of outmaneuvering his opponents at key junctures proved unparalleled.
- C U Hettiarachchi (8 points): composed and methodical, Hettiarachchi proved to be the runner-up. Much admiration was given toward his solidity in defense and well-calculated aggression.
- C C Weerasinghe (8 points): Much admired for his calm manner, Weerasinghe took third place through a string of high-level performances that showed great positional play.
- IM Maxim Lavrov (8 points): The Russian International Master brought experience and tactical acumen to the fore as he finished fourth on the back of a solid tiebreak performance.
- S D B K Senevirathne (8): He was playing balanced chess throughout the competition, hence he was able to race with the very best for the top spots and took the respectable fifth position.
- WCM K M Dahamdi Sanudula ( 8): This lady was one of the attractions of this tournament, and her sharp calculation and strategic brilliance won a spot for her in the top list.
- K A R G W S N B I Galkotuwa (8 points): Galkotuwa was quite aggressive in some games and made several sharp combats that really excited the spectators. He finished seventh in this complicated event.
- Y R P M Ramanayaka (7 points): Most of Ramanayaka’s big combats have turned out quite well, making him resilient against his opponents in order to be among the leaders.
- W M Minura Sathsindu (7 points): Sathsindu showed great tactical awareness and secured many important wins.
- D D L N Dandeniy (7.5 points): Dandeniy’s strong showing across the rounds secured him a top-10 finish, proving his consistency and skill.
Women’s Ranking List and Skills
The women’s category, too, was a powerhouse of performances that showed their strength and strategic acumen. The top women’s ranking is below.
- WCM K M Dahamdi Sanudula (8 points): A Woman Candidate Master, Dahamdi had exemplary games, full of sharp calculations and strategic brilliance. The way he navigated through tough positions really showed how exceptionally skilled she is.
- 2. H Sandithi Kusalya Alwis (7 points): De Silva’s resilience and tactical awareness made her a tough competitor. Her performance was characterized by a keen sense of timing and accuracy under pressure.
- WCM Eshsha Mishela Pallie (7 points): ): A Woman Candidate Master, Pallie’s games were marked by creativity and strong opening preparation. Her presence in the tournament added significant depth to the women’s competition.
Highlights of the Event
– Indrajeet’s Mastery: Dominating the leaderboard, Indrajeet remained undefeated throughout the event, showcasing impeccable timing and tactical finesse.
– Hettiarachchi’s Determination: Hettiarachchi’s ability to defend and counterattack in challenging positions earned him a well-deserved second place.
– Tiebreak Drama: Since several players were tied at 8 points, final places were determined by tiebreaks, a factor that further showed the razor-thin differences that defined competition.
– Dahamdi’s Brilliance: Being a Women’s Candidate Master, Dahamdi was a fan favorite. Her games were a thing of beauty, filled with deep strategy and perfect execution.
Blitz Chess at Its Finest
The 2024 Ethugalpura International Blitz Chess Championship was a thrilling display of speed and strategy. The fast-moving action of blitz chess puts pressure on players to make sharp decisions with very limited time, thus producing a string of interesting games.
This event celebrated not only the skills and determinations of its participants but also the global appeal of chess as a competitive and intellectually demanding sport. Congratulations to all the players on their performance, and we look forward with anticipation to the next chapter in this exciting chess tournament series!
Arbiters and Parents Blitz Event Tomorrow!
Tomorrow, the stage will be ablaze at 7:00 PM itself with arbiters and parents in the Blitz Event. Fast, let the games begin! Exciting games are in store, and one and all will get an opportunity to show their skill. And here is the action, the fun; let us wrap up in style!
