Athula Shined in the IM Tournament
MK Athula Russell, the National Chess Champion showed that he is ready
to gain the 1st IM title to Sri Lanka, winning the runner up position
ahead of Two Indian International Masters and the Nepalese FIDE master
in the 2nd Sri Lanka International Masters Chess Tournament held from
25th February to 4th March 2009 at the SANASA Campus, Kegalle.Athula
scored two full points against International Master Anup Deshmuk and
FIDE master Manish, got two draws from the TInternational Master and
the Winner of the Colombo Chess Festival, N Srinath to score his total
of 9 points out of possible 14. Unfortunately, he missed the norm from
1 point since any player was expected to get 10 points from an IM tournament
of this nature. But, he gained a record number of rating points to reach
the magical 2300, which is needed for a FM title.Athula won Rs. 30,000/=
as the 2nd prize of the event.
This 2nd sri Lanka International Masters Chess Tournament is organized
by the Chess Federation of Sri Lanka with a chsh award of Rs. 100,000/=
in total. Three International Masters from India, One FIDE Master from
Nepal and four Sri Lankan top players participated in the event.
The tournament was a one horse race for the top seed, Indian International
Master, RR Luxman. With an ELO of more than 2500, he scored 12 points
unbeaten score just giving four draws in all 14 rounds. He earned a
sum of Rs. 50,000/= as the first prize.
Indian IM N Srinath became third with 8 1/2 points while IM Anup Deshmuk
from India got the 4th place. GC Anuruddha was fifth and other three
FM Manish, Nepal, Gayan Peiris and Prasanna Kurukulasuriya tied for
the 6th place with 4 points.
Luxman Wijesuria
Hony. Secreatry
Chess Federation of Sri Lanka