C. Nataraja the number two seed from India won the Inaugural Kandy International Rating Chess Championship when he drew with Viman Bhagya. Nataraja just allowed two draws the other being a quick draw with countryman T. J. Suresh Kumar and walked away with 50 000 LKR after scoring 8 points out of a possible 9. The tournament was organized by the 64 Squares International Chess Academy with the collaboration of the CFSL.

Sri Lanka could be proud of the performance of some of their top players as they overhauled the other two higher rated Indians to jump into joint second. Isuru Alahakoon of Fischer CC won the silver medal while Rasika Bandara of the University of Peradeniya won the bronze medal. Viman Bhagya of Nf3 CC was unfortunate to miss out on a medal despite his heroics against the top Indians when he beat Suresh Kumar and drew Nataraja. Each of them received in excess of LKR 15000 after scoring 7.5 points.

In the fight for the best Women’s player Sivagurunathan Viththiyaranei from Jaffna who last represented Sri Lanka in the World Youth Championships in Greece in 2004 won the first place ahead of several Sri Lanka Women’s National Players. She scored 6.5 points. The young players from India must be mentioned for their strong where they challenged not just the top local players but also their higher rated older countrymen.

Speaking at the Prize distribution Ceremony of the First Kandy International Rating Chess Chanmppionship, Mr. Rajeendra Kalugampitiya, Managing Director of 64 Squares International Chess Academy said he was happy with skills displayed by the Sri Lankan chess players and that this will be the start of a new era where we will continue to challenge for top prizes at International events. He also thanked everyone who helped over the years, from his first coaches, Mr. Yapa and Mr. G. C. Anuruddha to the veteran stars of yester year that encouraged him and specially thanked Mr. Luxman Wijesuriya for guiding the organizing committee. He thanked his fellow chess players from Vidyartha and University of Peradeniya for their support, and thanked all organizers and staff of 64 Squares International Chess Academy.

Mr. Luxman Wijesuriya , Secretary CFSL thanked Mr. Kalugampitiya and his team for organizing this event, the biggest ever International Open to be held in Sri Lanka.
There were over 60 prize winners in the various categories – age group and rating. The total prize fund exceeded Rs. 250 000.00. And for the first time in Sri Lanka certificates of recognition was issued to all the Arbiters and the Assistant Arbiters who was involved with this tournament.