Sri Lanka’s Desandhi Dhihansa Gamage clinched the first runner-up position in the Rating Under 2000 category at the FIDE World Amateur Open Chess Championship. The event, organized by the Omani Chess Committee in collaboration with the International Chess Federation, worked off at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Bawshar from November 2 to 11.
Desandhi, a student at Sirimavo Bandaranaike Vidyalaya, scored an impressive 5.5 out of 9 points in the Open Category of the rating below 2000. Not only did she secure the women’s first runner-up position, but she also elevated her ELO Rating by an outstanding 142 points during the competition, which brought together 86 players from 38 countries.
The nine-round tournament, conducted in a Swiss format, featured a time control of 90 minutes with a 30-second increment from move 01. The main sports hall at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex witnessed intense battles over eight days, as participants vied for victory in this prestigious championship.
The women’s championship title was ultimately claimed by Norovsambuu Badamkhand of Mongolia, while Niki Nadernia of Iran secured the second runner-up position. Desandhi’s remarkable performance has not only brought glory to Sri Lanka but has also earned her well-deserved recognition on the international chess stage.