Sri Lanka triumphs at Commonwealth Chess Championship 2024
Sri Lanka bagged one gold, five each of silver and bronze medals at the Commonwealth Chess Championship 2024 held in Malaysia last week. Sri Lanka emerged as a formidable force, clinching an impressive tally of medals in the prestigious event held from February 20 to 27. Organised by the Malaysian Chess Federation and Persatuan Catur Melaka, the championship witnessed intense competition among players from Australia, Bangladesh, India, Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, Mauritius, New Zealand, South Africa, Singapore, and Sri Lanka.
In the women’s category, WCM G.P.Y. Wijesuriya showcased her prowess by securing the first runner-up position in the Open event with a commendable score of 6 out of 9 points, earning her the 13th rank in the Commonwealth Open Championship, which is a remarkable achievement.
Notably, Pesandu Rashmitha Liyanage and Brijeash Saravanabaavan shone in the Under-18 Open category, both clinching the first and second runner-up positions respectively with scores of 6.5 out of 9 points. While Pesandu’s exceptional performance secured her the first runner-up spot, Brijeash’s impressive display earned him the second runner-up position, showcasing Sri Lanka’s dominance in the category.
Esandi Newansa showcased her talent by securing the second runner-up position in the Standard Under-16 Girls’ category with a score of 6 out of 9 points, further adding to Sri Lanka’s medal haul. In the Standard Under-12 Open category, Vinuka Dihain Wijerathna’s stellar performance earned
him the first runner-up position with an impressive score of 7.5 out of 9 points. Despite tying for the championship, Vinuka’s outstanding performance secured him the silver medal, reflecting his exceptional skill on the board.
Sethika Hansira Samaraweera displayed resilience and talent by securing the second runner-up position in the Standard Under-10 Open category with a score of 6 out of 9 points, further highlighting Sri Lanka’s prowess in various age categories. Vaneesha Oshini Gomes showcased her skill by clinching the first runner-up position in the Standard Under10 Girls’ category with an impressive score of 7.5 out of 9 points, further solidifying Sri Lanka’s presence on the podium.
In a remarkable feat, Sri Lanka dominated the Standard Under-8 Girls’ category, securing all top three positions. Nethumi Dihansa Perera emerged as the champion with a score of 6.5 out of 9 points, followed by Warnakulasuriya Eleesha Fernando and Hasini Anuththara Ranasinghe securing the first and second runner-up positions respectively.
Furthermore, CM Haritha Hansana’s exceptional performance in the Commonwealth Junior Blitz Chess Championship earned him the second runner-up position with a score of 9 out of 11 points, showcasing Sri Lanka’s prowess in rapid chess formats.