From the 15th to the 26th of June 2026, the seaside Italian town of Montesilvano transformed into the global capital of junior chess as the World Youth Chess Championship 2026 brought together hundreds of the most promising young players on the planet. Organised under the banner of the International Chess Federation (FIDE), the championship was contested across six age categories — Open and Girls Under 14, 16, and 18 — with players representing more than 80 nations battling for the most prestigious junior titles in world chess.
The event was played over eleven rounds of Swiss-System pairings, with the classical time control of 90 minutes for the first 40 moves, followed by 30 minutes for the rest of the game, plus a 30-second increment per move from move one. International Arbiter Marco Biagioli of Italy served as Chief Arbiter, supported by Deputy Chief Arbiters Stephane Escafre and IA Elena Polovina, leading one of the largest arbiter teams ever assembled for a youth event.
Amidst this fierce international field, Sri Lanka’s young representatives produced performances that gave fans back home plenty to celebrate.
The standout campaign came from CM Vinuka Dihain Wijerathna in the Open Under 14 section. Facing a field packed with FIDE Masters and Candidate Masters from chess powerhouses, Vinuka stormed into the early lead with five straight wins, climbing as high as the top boards before settling into a steady rhythm. He closed his tournament on a strong 7 points from 11 games, finishing 23rd overall and confirming his place among Asia’s exciting under-14 talents.
Equally impressive was Senudhi Ahasya Jayasinghe in the Girls Under 14 category. Starting modestly, Senudhi grew stronger as the tournament progressed, stringing together crucial wins in the middle rounds and showing remarkable composure in tough endgames. Her 7-point haul earned her 16th place in a deep field of more than a hundred players — a result that signals a bright future for one of Sri Lanka’s most promising young girls.
In the same Open Under 14 event, Nethsara Dias delivered another encouraging performance, finishing on 6.5 points. A standout moment came in his sixth-round battle, when he kept his nerve to outplay a higher-rated opponent. He finished 44th overall — a strong result against world-class opposition.
The Girls Under 16 section saw a determined effort from WCM Chanthuli Thanishka De Silva, who steadied herself after a difficult opening round to gather 6 points and finish 45th. Her teammate Yenuthi Sahanlee Perera matched her resilience, ending on 5.5 points, while Senaree Gamaarachchi added 4.5 points to round out a competitive Sri Lankan showing.
In the Girls Under 18 section, WFM Esandi Newansa played with the calm experience expected of a Woman FIDE Master, finishing on 6 points with a memorable late-tournament victory. Sandithi Kusalya Alwis also flew the flag with 4 points in a category dominated by elite WIM-titled players.
The Open Under 16 section featured Thisarindu Induwara and Chenitha Mithvidu Ovitigala, both finishing on 5.5 points after fighting hard against deeply rated fields. In the Open Under 18, Jeewantha Aloka Hettiarachchi also reached 5.5 points, providing further proof of Sri Lanka’s growing depth.
Montesilvano played host to thrilling clashes, dramatic comebacks, and the kind of fighting spirit that defines world youth chess. For Sri Lanka, the championship was more than just results — it was a glimpse of a generation ready to challenge the world.
Heartfelt congratulations to every Sri Lankan player who proudly represented our country, to their coaches, families, and the Chess Federation of Sri Lanka for their continued support. The journey continues, and the future looks bright.
