IM Susal De Silva and WFM Devindya Oshini Gunawardhana have brought pride to Sri Lanka in the recently concluded Western Asian Junior/Girls Chess Championship 2024. IM Susal De Silva won the championship in the open category, while WFM Devindya Oshini Gunawardhana triumphed in the girls’ category. These victories were significant milestones, with Susal achieving his maiden GM Norm and Oshini being awarded the WIM title, making her the youngest Woman International Master in Sri Lanka.
The championship took place from July 16th to 21st, 2024, at Citrus Waskaduwa, Kalutara, Sri Lanka. It was organized by the Chess Federation of Sri Lanka under the auspices of the Asian Chess Federation and FIDE. The event saw participation from under-20 players representing Western Asian Chess Federations (Zones 3.1, 3.2, 3.4, 3.7, and 3.8) affiliated with the Asian Chess Federation. The championship featured standard, rapid, and blitz formats, with separate open and girls’ events.
Standard Championship:
In the primary event, the standard championship, IM Susal De Silva of Sri Lanka led from the beginning and finished in style, securing the championship in the open category. FM Satbek Akhmedinov of Kazakhstan and FM Reja Neer Manon of Bangladesh took the first and second runners-up positions, respectively. In the girls’ category, WFM Devindya Oshini Gunawardhana of Sri Lanka emerged victorious. Despite being ranked eighth initially, she demonstrated her strength and determination, winning the championship. Mariya Kholyavko of Kazakhstan and WFM Galina Mikheeva of FIDE secured the first and second runners-up positions, respectively.
Rapid Championship:
In the rapid championship, FM Eldiyar Orozbaev of Kyrgyzstan won the open category, with FM Satbek Akhmedinov of Kazakhstan and FM M D Imran of India taking the first and second runners-up positions. In the girls’ category, WFM Shubhi Gupta of India won the championship, followed by Mallick Mrittika of India and WFM V Rindhiya of India as the first and second runners-up, respectively.
Blitz Championship:
In the blitz championship, FM Satbek Akhmedinov of Kazakhstan claimed the open category title. FM Eldiyar Orozbaev of Kyrgyzstan and FM M D Imran of India secured the first and second runners-up positions, respectively. In the girls’ category, WFM Jain Sachi of India won the championship, with WIM Zeinep Sultanbek of Kazakhstan and WIM Mariya Kholyavko of Kazakhstan taking the first and second runners-up positions.
The awards ceremony took place at Citrus Waskaduwa, Kalutara, Sri Lanka, with the presence of Mr. Luxman Wijesuriya, the president of the Chess Federation of Sri Lanka. In recognition of their outstanding performances, the Chess Federation of Sri Lanka awarded one hundred thousand rupees each to IM Susal De Silva and WIM Devindya Oshini Gunawardhana for their gold medal achievements.
Special appreciation goes to FI Akila Kavinda, the trainer of WIM Devindya Oshini Gunawardhana and former trainer of IM Susal De Silva. His vital role in nurturing these two talents has been instrumental in their success. Under his guidance, these young players have achieved remarkable milestones, and Oshini is expected to achieve even more in the future.
Extend best wishes to all participants and winners, and we hope that Sri Lankan chess will soon see its first GM and WGM.
Photographer – Anil Madu Sampath
