PMRL Bandara of University of Peradeniya beat the
table toop and top rank International Master from India in the final
round to share the 1st place of the Sri Lanka Open Chess Championship,
the International rating Chess event with IM Sharma, IM Srinath and
GC Anuruddha. Young Bandara who was a clear one point behind Dinesh
Sharma made this wonderful win to reach the Sharma’s total. A
total of 7 ½ points scored by Bandara, Sharma, Anuruddha and
Srinath out of possible 9 games. A total sum of Rs. 90,000/= was shared
among Dinesh, Anuruddha, Bandara and Srinath. Dinesh won the title while
Anuruddha won the Silver medal on the tie breaker . Bandara managed
to be the Bronze medalist in the event.
The Sri Lanka Open Chess Championship was conducted by the Chess Federation
of Sri Lanka from 6th to 10th March 2009 at the Agriculture In-service
Institute, Gannoruwa, Kandy, Sri Lanka. A total of 188 players including
International Masters, Dinesh K Sharma and N Srinath of India with FIDE
Master Manish from Nepal. Unfortunately, the Sri Lankan top seed, Athula
Russell could not participate in the event. All other top national players,
GC Anuruddha, TGM Pieris, RMCM Rajapakse, Romesh Weerawardena and Prasannna
Kurukulasuriya were in avction.
Bundara’s performance brought the fortunate to two other players
Anuruddha and IM Srinath also since they were also behind a point to
Dineshh whren the final round started. Three top players, Romesh Weerawardena,
RMCM rajapakse and Peasanna Kurukulasuriya tied for the 5th place and
shared a total sum of 20,000/- among them.
Anjana Perera managed to win the best women prize after tying with Ashanthi
Rajapaklsha and JMBM Jayasuriya. List of other category prizes are attached:
Luxman Wijesuriya
Hony. Secretary
Chess Federation of Sri Lanka