AGM Pranieth Chandrasekara and AFM R. M. Dulinma Hemalni Rathnayake claimed the titles in the open and women’s categories, respectively, at the Sri Lanka National Rapid Chess Championships 2024.
The event was held on August 25, 2024, at Shasthrananda Navodya Vidyalaya in Dehiwala and was organized by the Chess Federation of Sri Lanka. A total prize fund of Rs. 160,000 was distributed among the winners, who also received trophies, medals, and certificates. The championships followed a Swiss format with a time control of 15 minutes plus a 10-second increment per move.
Open Championship
The Open Championship saw fierce competition among 380 participants. AGM Pranieth Chandrasekara emerged victorious, scoring 8/9 points. Although four players tied for the top spot with 8/9 points, Pranieth secured the championship through superior tie-breaks. A. P. Chenitha Sihas Dinsara Karunasena and Vinuka Dihain Wijerathna claimed the first and second runners-up positions, respectively, also based on tie-breaks. Jude Dorison Gnanaseelan finished in fourth place.
Women’s Championship
In the Women’s Championship, 134 players battled for the title. AFM R. M. Dulinma Hemalni Rathnayake won the championship with a near-perfect score of 7/8 points. Despite a tie with another player, Dulinma’s superior tie-break performance secured her the top spot. M. Esandi Newansa finished as the first runner-up. Three players tied for the second runner-up position with 6.5/8 points, but WCM Sayuni Gihansa Jayaweera secured the second runner-up position through tie-breaks, while WCM K. M. Dahamdi Sanudula and WCM G. P. Y. Wijesuriya settled for fourth and fifth places, respectively.
The Sri Lanka National Rapid Chess Championships 2024 showcased exceptional talent and sportsmanship. Congratulations to AGM Pranieth Chandrasekara, AFM R. M. Dulinma Hemalni Rathnayake, and all other winners for their outstanding performances. The event was a great success, further enhancing the prestige of chess in Sri Lanka.
