Udith wins Inaugural Sri Lanka Chess Grand Prix

Udith Jayasundara, 16 year schoolboy from Nalanda College, Colombo won the Inaugural Sri Lanka Chess Grand Prix yesterday convincingly. He scored a total of 6.5 points out of possible 9 games. He beat Chandana Wijekoon of Sri Lanka Navy in the final round to achieve this victory.

The Inaugural Chess Grand Prix was conducted by the Chess Federation of Sri Lanka with among 10 of the top Chess Players in Sri Lanka after 3 qualifying rounds. This 9 round round robin event was held from 4th to 8th January 2013 at the National institute of Technology in the 1st half and at Royal College in the 2nd half. A total of Rs. 135,000/- prize fund was offered by the Chess Federation for the winners.

Udith cleared his road by beating GC Anuruddha, Isuru Alahakoon (The National Champion), MNG Jayaratne, Asela Prbhajith, C, Lamahewa and Chandana Wijekoon while having a draw with HLM Hapuarachchi. He lost to WIM Sachini Ranasinghe and Prasanna Kurukulasuriya. Chandana Wijekoon of Sri Lanka Navy Became the Silver medalist with 6 points. Chandana was leading by half a point before the final round but losing in the final round made him 2nd. GC Anuruddha also tied with Chandana with 6 points, but he had to settled with the Bronze medal on the tie breaker. HLM Hapuarachchi and Prasanna Kurukulasuriya scored 5 points each and had to satisfy with the 4th and 5th place respectively. WIM Sachini Ransinghe also fought hard through out the event and placed 6th in the event. She was offered a special award by the CFSL.

Dr. Chandana Goonathilake, the 1st rated player in Sri Lanka and an University Lecturer in United States.

By

Luxman Wijesuriya
Hony. Secretary - CFSL
President - Zone 3.2, FIDE