At the recent Sri Lanka National Rapid Chess Championship organized by the Sri Lanka Chess Federation at Ananda Vidyalaya in Kottawa, two budding talents emerged as champions. Susal de Silva from Nalanda College and Esandi Newansa from Dharmasoka College clinched the top spots in the competition.
The tournament witnessed a large participation with 342 players. Susal de Silva displayed an outstanding unbeaten performance, securing an impressive 8.5 out of 9 points. He only conceded a draw in the 6th round. Following closely, Ranindu Liyanage of Ananda College secured the second position with a score of 8 out of 9 points. Rashmitha Liyanage of DS Senanayake College claimed the third position with 7.5 out of 9 points, securing the spot through a higher tie-breaker.
In the women’s championship category, which included 137 players, Esandi Newansa of Dharmasoka College delivered an impeccable performance, securing the championship with a perfect score of 7 out of 7. Sayuni Gihansa Jayaweera from Sokians Chess Club secured the first runner-up spot with a score of 6.5 out of 7 points. The second runner-up position was claimed by NT Indrajith from Mayor Chess Club after a superior tie-breaker, following a tie among four players with a score of 6 out of 7 points.
