Former National Champion T. D. R.
Peiris (Diocies Chess Academy) moved to within a draw of securing
the Sri Lanka National ‘B’Championship 2010, organized
by the Chess Federation of Sri Lanka and held at the University of
Moratuwa. Peiris playing white destroyed Vidura Koggala (University
of Moratuwa) in 23 moves to secure sole possession of the lead. A
tense struggle between former National Champion G. C. Anuruddha and
Romesh Weerawardena (Paul Morphy CC) ended in a draw with a threefold
repetition.
The games on the next three tables were drawn quickly, as the player
split points to improve their chances of clinching one of the 12 spots
up for grabs in the National A. In the lower score groups, players
fought tooth and nail to clinch the wins to keep their hopes alive.
These tables saw tense and complicated struggles.
Of significant note was the fact that Luxman Wijesuriya after drawing
with Dr. Thivanka Mallawarachchi essentially went out of contention.
This is the first time in twenty nice years that the veteran chess
player cum administrator (he’s also the Secretary of the Chess
Federation) will not be playing in the National A or its equivalent.
Standing after Round 9: T. D. R. Peiris 7 pts, G. C. Anuruddha 6.5pts,
Osheen de Silva ( T. S. S. Peiris (Dharmapala Vidyalaya), Udith Jayasundara
(Nalanda), Romesh Weerawardena, Vidura Koggala, P. M. R. L. Bandara
(University of Peradeniya), Chandana Wijekoon (Dark Horse CA), Chamika
Perera (Trinity), Viman Bhagya (Nf3 CC) 6 points.
In the Women’s National ‘B’ Championship Dinushki
Premanath (Kandy Girls High School) and Tiumi Yashora (Visakha V.)
continue to lead with 7.5 points. Dinushki beat Anuththara Chandrasiri
(KGHS) with white while Tiumi held Iridu Basnayake (KGHS) to a draw.
These two have been in the lead from the start and have left the more
experienced players in their wake. Fighting games were seen as players
fought to clinch one of the 10 spots in the Women’s National
Championship scheduled to start in May 2010.
Standings as at the end of round 09: Dinushki Premanath, Tiumi Yashora
7.5 points out of 9. Samasha Udupitiya (Maliyadeva Girls College),
Mayumi Muhandiram (Maliyadeva Girls), Iridu Basnayake , Chaturi Hettige,
Uthpala Hettikarannagoda (Rathnawali BV, Borella) 6 points, Samanthi
Wettasinghe (Sri Lankan Airlines), Ayodhaya Liyanagedara (University
of Moratuwa) Shalini Jayawardhana (S. Joseph’s Kegalle), Pramodhaya
Sathya (Maliyadeva Girls) 5.5 points.