In a dazzling showcase of strategic brilliance, the Western Asian Juniors & Girls Chess Championships 2023 unfolded from November 30th to December 5th, 2023, at the World Trade Center, Auditorium of the Board of Investors of Sri Lanka. The event was supported by the FIDE Planning and Development Commission.
This prestigious event, organized by the Chess Federation of Sri Lanka in collaboration with the Asian Chess Federation & World Chess Federation, drew participants from Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Maldives, and Turkmenistan.
Champions Crowned:
IM Harshana Thilakarathne: Conquering the board in the Western Asian Juniors Chess Championships 2023, International Master Harsana Thilakarathne of Sri Lanka emerged as the champion with a remarkable score of 6.5/9 points. In a tight competition where three players reached the same score, Thilakarathne secured the championship with a superior tiebreak. IM G B Harshavardhan of India and IM Susal De Silva of Sri Lanka clinched the 1st runner-up
and 2nd runner-up positions, respectively.
WIM Zeinep Sultanbek: The queen of the board in the Western Asian Juniors Girls Chess Championships 2023, WIM Zeinep Sultanbek of Kazakhstan, showcased her prowess by securing the championship with an impressive score of 7/9 points. Young Oshini Devindya Gunawardhana of Sri Lanka claimed the silver medal with a score of 6/9 points. In a closely contested race, V Rindhiya of India secured the second runner-up position with a better tiebreak.
Thrilling Matches and Strategic Moves:
Both championships, with a time control of 90 minutes plus 30 seconds increment from move 01, unfolded across 9 rounds in the Swiss format. The battles on the board were intense, and the players exhibited remarkable skill and strategic brilliance.
The crowning moments were celebrated at the awards ceremony, graced by the presence of Mr. Luxman Wijesuriya, President of the Chess Federation of Sri Lanka, Deepthi Hewageegana, CEO of United Tractors Ltd, the Deputy President of CFSL with top officials of CFSL. The ceremony acknowledged and celebrated the triumphs, sportsmanship, and strategic prowess displayed by the participants.
Congratulations to the Champions! IM Harshana Thilakarathne and WIM Zeinep Sultanbek have etched their names in the annals of chess history with this remarkable triumph. Their victories stand as a testament to the power of intellect and strategic prowess. Kudos to all participants for a riveting competition!
Links for the events