Gayanth and Hansi bag Under 18, Under 13 titles

Gayanth Chandrasena and Hansi Weerasuriya produced stirring performances to claim the Under-18 and Under-13 titles respectively at the All-Island Age Group Scrabble Championship which was held at the Lyceum International School in Wattala recently. Nearly 300 participants took part at the championship which was held in three categories, the Under-13, Under-18 and Over-18. The winners in each category were chosen after six rounds.

In the Under-13 category where closer to 140 players took part, Hansi Weerasuriya had very little competition from the possible contenders as she claimed the title with ease. Danusha Muhandiramge was the runner-up while Yenulie Hewage placed third. Gayanth Chandrasena created a major upset to win the Under-18 category, surpassing seasoned favourites Yeshan Jayasuriya and Yasiru Fernando who had represented Sri Lanka at the World Youth Scrabble Championships. Sasika Jayasuriya won the runner-up title while Fernando was placed third.

After his win Chandrasena also managed to be ranked above several experienced and top rated players who have represented the country at the World Youth Scrabble Championships. Nimalan Premkumar won the Over-18 title while Anisha Dias Bandaranaike and Shirley de Silva were placed second and third respectively. The awards ceremony was held at the Women’s International Club on July 8 where chief guest Nawaff Mubarak, the Vice President of Sri Lanka Aquatics Sports Union and holder of National Colours for swimming and water polo, gave away the prizes. - NA