The reigning National Chess Champion Ranindu Dilshan Liyanage of Ananda College continued to lead in the Open Category of the Sri Lanka National Chess Championships 2021 which is in progress at the Chess Federation of Sri Lanka from 24th December 2021. Ranindu is unbeaten so far scoring points against Isara Dahanayake, Chehan Weerasinghe, Denuwan Theekshana, Senuka Ahangama and Sanudula Dahamdi with a draw against Vinuda Shenal Gunatillake to earn 5 ½ points out of 6 games.

Sri Lanka’s promising youth Chess Player Susal De Silva of Nalanda College is following Ranindu in a half a point behind with 5 points out of 6 games taken from wins against SDBK seneviratne, Nabil Nazar, Osheen De Silva, Vinuda shenal Gunatilleke and draws against Thumula Kiriella and Thisal Piyumantha,

Three players, Osheen De Silva (Sri Lanka Navy), Thumula Kiriella(Maliyadeva College) and S Sivathanuja(Kokavil Hindu College) are in the 3rd place with 4 points each.

Desandi Dihansa Gamage of Sirimavo Bandaranayike Vidyalaya is leading the Girls category with 4 ½ points out of 6 Games. Desandi beat Chethani Chamthka, Oneli Vithanawasam, Janandani Abeysinghe, HMRMK Herath, drew with Tharusli Ranganath and lost to young Oshini Gunawardena in her 4 ½ points collection.

Esha Pallie, Niklesha Tharushi both from Visakha Vidyalaya and Oneli Vithnawasam(Lyceum International, Wattala) are sharing the 2nd place with just a half a poit behind with 4 points. Esha beat HMRMK Hearath, Chanindi Mewna Attanayake, Sayumi Gamage and Nemindi Ramanayake while losing to Janandani Abeysinghe and Niklesha. After losing her first two Games to Dasuni Mendis and Chanindi Mewna Attanayake Niklesha came back stronglu by winning 4 games straight in last 4 rounds with Chethani Chamathka, Esha Pallie, Oshini Gunawardena and Sayumi Gamage. Onleli Vithanawasam beat Sayumi Gamage. Esandi Newansa and Dasuni Mendis, Drew with Nemindi Ramanayakeand Chethani Chamathka and lost to Desandi Dihansa Gamage to earn 4 points.

The selected top 14 players each are participating in the each category in round Robin basis in 13 rounds in the Sri Lanka National Chess Championships 2021- (Open & Women’s) . The Classical Chess format of 90 minutes with 30 seconds increment from move one is the time control and the winners will be crowned as the National Chess Champions for the year 2021. The Event will continue till 30th December 2021 at the CFSL Headquarters at Gangodawila, Nugegoda.

The National Chess Championships 2021 is conducted by the Chess Federation of Sri Lanka with a total cash award of Rs. 335,000/- as distributed below with other attractive awards.