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Sabaragamuwa (Open) and Wayamba (Women)

Nisal and Sandali Grab the Championships!

Nisal Dilushana Thilakarathne (above left) of St. Thomas College, Bandarawela and Sandali Somarathne (above right) of  Royal International School, Kurunegala won the Sri Lanka National Online (Novices Division) Chess Championship of the Sabaragamuwa province (open) and North Western province (women) convincingly. Nisal was unbeaten throughout the whole tournament making it an impressive score of 7 out of 7 possible games. He beat Isira Halwathura, Rushith Chamara, Tharuli Dinethma, Imeth Handagama, Thenudi Chaththuthara, Ranpalee Attanayake and AI Dharmasiri.

Meanwhile, Sandali grabbed the championship of the women section of the North Western Province Novices Division Women championship also being unbeaten and had an extra-ordinary score of 7 out of 7 possible games. She had a walkover in the first round but beat Osandi Madurapperuma, Senuli Dinethma, Useli Bandara, Binudi Madurapperuma, Dahamli Rasnayake and Kavini Amarathunga to grab dull points.

Sathindu Vidujaya Lankathillake (abvoe left) of St. Thomas College, Bandarawela and Yonal Sadeesha Sumanathilake (above right) of Royal International School, Kegalle both scored 6 out of 7 possible games but Lankathillake claimed Silver with better tie breaker while Sumanathilake claimed bronze. Lankathillake drew to Nisal Perera and TA Tharanga but beat HP Kumara, Ruvin Jayasooriya, Ramithu Wickramasinghe, Dinethma Tharuli and Ruviru Jayathilake. Somathilake lost to Dharmasiri AI but beat Yasandu Jayawardane, Isira Hedeniya, PB Nawarathne, Dinethma Tharuli, Ranpalee Attanayake and Tharanga TA.

Useli Ikshana Bandara (above left) of Maliyadeva Girls School, Kurunegala and Monadi Methusha Amarasinghe (above right) of Dhammissara National School grabbed the Silver and Bronze medals respectively. Useli and Monadi both showed a score of 6 out of 7 possible games but Useli claimed the Silver with the better tie break. Useli beat Dharani Ranawaka, Sehasa Samaranayake, Apurwa Gunaratne, JS Rasnayake, Pramudi Samarakoon and Yenuli Udapola but lost her 4th round to the champion – sandali. Monadi lost her 4th game to Yenuli Udapola but beat Lakvindee Karunathilake, Chulani Pathirana, Pramudi Samarakoon, Sandamini Hewage, Binudi Maddrapperuma and Dahamli Rasnayake. DMMD Dissanayake of Maliyadeva Girls School, Kurunegala also scored six points but has to satisfy with the 4^th place on the poor tie breaking score.

Top 19 players of the Sabaragamuwa Open event and the Top 21 players of the North-Western Women’s event will obtain the license to the appropriate Major Division Chess Championships to be held from late August 2021.

With that, the tourney came to an end in style marking the end of all 7 regional Novices Division Chess Championships and the Sri Lanka National Major Division Chess Champions are to start on next Saturday.

The Novices Division of the Sri Lanka Online Rapid National Chess Championships 2021 was planned to have in 7 regions, Western I (Colombo District), Western II (Gampaha and Kaluthara District), Central Province, Wayamba Province, Southern Province, Sabaragamuwa region (Sabaragamuwa and Uva Provinces) and Northern Region (Northern, Eastern, and North Central Provinces).

The Inaugural Sri Lanka Online National Rapid Chess Championship Cycle 2021 consists of 4 stages. The Cycle is started with the Novices events in 7 regions followed by the Major Division Events in the same regions. The Top players will join with the selectees from Major Division events in the National B event. The Top 14 players of the National B will join the current National Chess Champion and the Top rank player in the 15 round, Round Robin event in the 1st stage of the finals while a knocked out of top four players of Round Robin event will be played as 2nd stage of the finals. The same structure will be followed in the Women’s Event as well.

The Final Standings (Wayamba Women)

 The event details are available at the following links:

https://chess-results.com/tnr573641.aspx?lan=1

https://chess-results.com/tnr573642.aspx?lan=1

Minul Sanjula Doluweera (above left) of University of Colombo and Sakuni Bandara (above right) of University of Moratuwa won the Asian University Chess Selection Trials convincingly. Minul, who is Sri Lanka Number 2 at the moment had six straight wins and gave a draw in the final round to score 6 ½ points out of possible 7 games. Sakuni Bandara also had a remarkable event scoring 6 points with 5 straight wins and two draws.

Chathulanka Gamage (above left) of University of Moratuwa also was in the run throughout and  placed 2^nd with 5 points. Three players Chthura Jayaweera (above center) of University of Peradeniya, PK Ranasinghe (above right) of University of Peradeniya and MCL Mendis scored 5 points each but Chathura and Ranasinghe got the ticket to Sri Lanka National University Chess Team with the better tie breaker.

Yasasmi Umarusiru Gamage (above left) of Colombo University placed 2^nd with 5 ½ points out of 7 games. After 5 way tie with 5 points by RI Gayeni, Dulara Kumarasinghe, Anuki Pasquel, Nelunika Methmani and Inoli Tashini, RI Gayeni (above center) and Dulara Kumarasinghe (above right) of Ruhuna University got in to the Sri Lanka National Univerity Women’s team with the better tie breaking score.

by Marlon Bernardino
MANILA, Philippines—Woman National Master Jersey Marticio scored 1.5 points in her last two games to top the Girls 14 and under and advance to the world stage (Last 16, Knock Out Stage) with fellow Filipinos Woman National Master Candidate April Joy Claros, National Master Candidate Wayne Diaz Ruiz and early qualifier Woman National Master Lexie Grace Hernandez in the FIDE Online Rapid World Cup Cadets & Youth online chess championship  virtually held at Tornelo Platform on Sunday, August 15, 2021.

The 14 years old Marticio split the point with Yesun Lee of the United States after 55 moves of a Sicilian defense, Pelikan variation in the ninth and penultimate round then subdued Woman FIDE Master Kai Ni Agnes Chong of Malaysia after 22 moves of a Slav defense in the tenth and final round.

Marticio, an incoming Grade 9 student of Pulo National High School in Cabuyao City Laguna finished 8.5 points to pocket the coveted title.

“All that hard work and determination really paid off,” said Marticio whose stint here is being supported by Cabuyao City Mayor Mel Gecolea, Cabuyao City Sports Director Jerome Paul Lualhati, Bayanihan sa Cabuyao Executive Director Michael Aranzanso and Cabuyao Chess Committee Chairman & President of Philippine Executive Chess Association Dr. Fred Paez.

The 14 year old Angeles City, Pampanga resident Claros, an incoming Grade 9 student of Far Eastern University on the other hand, beat Woman Candidate Master Le Cam Hien Nguyen of Vietnam after 39 moves of an English Opening, Double fianchetto variation then halved the point with Yesun Lee of the United States after 33 moves of a London System, respectively.

With the win Claros raised her total to 7.5 points, the same output as WFM Kai Ni Agnes Chong of Malaysia, Lara Putar of Ireland, Yesun Lee of the USA and Davida Strong of South Africa. Claros ended up over-all 7th place in the Girls 14 and under in this 155 player’s field World Chess Federation-FIDE tournament.

Ruelle Canino of Cagayan de Oro City drew with Khuslenzaya Baldanjantsan of Mongolia after 87 moves of a London System Opening but yielded to WCM Anika Rajaram  of the USA after76 moves of a King’s Indian defense. With the loss Canino was stuck at 6 points and landed at overall 30th place.

In the Open 14 and under, online Arena FIDE Master and National Master Candidate Wayne Diaz Ruiz of Santa Rosa City, Laguna crushed Erzhan Zhakshylykov of Kyrgyzstan after 53 moves of a Sicilian defense and CM Edgar Mamedov of Kazakhstan after 84 moves of a Sicilian defense in the last two rounds.

The 14 year old Ruiz, an incoming Grade 9 student of Marie Margarette  School in Santa Rosa City, Laguna scored 8 points and finished 2nd to 7th places. After the tie break was applied Ruiz finished 5th place. FM Ediz Gurel of Turkey won the Open 14 and under with 8.5 points.

Woman National Master Lexie Grace Hernandez of Angeles City, Pampanga already booked her seat in the Last 16, Knock-Out Stage in the Girls 16 and under division.

The National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP), headed by President/Chairman Rep. Prospero “Butch” Arreza Pichay Jr., is supporting the campaign of the Filipino woodpushers as part of its continuing program to train and develop outstanding young players.

inal Standings After Round 10:
Girls 14 and under
8.5 points—Jersey Marticio (Philippines)
8 points—WFM Alexandra Shvedova (Russia),WCM Nguyen Linh Dan (Vietnam), WFM Fiorella Contreras Huaman (Peru), WIM Ellen Wang (USA)
7.5 points—WFM Kai Ni Agnes Chong (Malaysia), April Joy Claros (Philippines), Lara Putar (Ireland), Yesun Lee (USA), Davida Strong (South Africa)
Open 14 and under
9 points—FM Ediz Gurel (Turkey)
8 points—Rudi Olenik Campa (Slovenia), FM Vyom Vidyarthi (USA), Bach Ngo (USA), AFM Wayne Diaz Ruiz (Philippines), Dimitrios Makridis (Greece), CM Mikhei Navumenka (Belarus)
7.5 points—FM  Javier Habans Aguerrea (Spain), Arjun Sidharth S (India),  Dinh Minh An (Vietnam)

by Marlon Bernardino
MANILA, Philippines—Comebacking Woman National Master Jersey Marticio redeemed herself from past setbacks by beating Jemima Paulo of Angola to gain a share of second place after eight rounds Sunday at the FIDE Online Rapid World Cup Cadets & Youth -Girls 14 and under online chess championship  virtually held at Tornelo Platform.

The 14-year-old mainstay of the Cabuyao City Chess Club emerged triumphant from a furious end game battle with the 18th-seeded Angolan player.

Marticio, playing black checkmated Paulo in 41 moves of an English Opening, double fianchetto variation.
“Sana magtuloy-tuloy na ang panalo,” (Hopefully I continue winning.) said Marticio whose stint here is being supported by  Cabuyao City Mayor Mel Gecolea, Cabuyao City Sports Director Jerome Paul Lualhati, Bayanihan sa Cabuyao Executive Director Michael Aranzanso and Cabuyao Chess Committee Chairman & President of Philippine Executive Chess Association Dr. Fred Paez.

Marticio’s smashing triumph kept Filipino hopes alive. In the endgame, Black (Jersey Marticio) played safely by securing her advantage of two pawns up in the kingside so she eventually won in 41 moves of an English Opening, double fianchetto variation as explained by Noel Jay Estacio, one of the top players of PCAP’s Quezon City Simba’s Tribe who watched the live game thru Tornelo Platform.

With the win, Marticio, an incoming Grade 9 student of Pulo National High School in Cabuyao City Laguna raised her total 7 points, the same output of Woman FIDE Master Kai Ni Agnes Chong of Malaysia, who brought down Kelsey Liu of the United States in 60 moves of a Sicilian defense.

Second seed Woman FIDE Master Alexandra Shvedova of Russia trounced Woman FIDE Master Fiorella Contreras Huaman of Peru in 42 moves of a Caro-Kann defense to remain on top with 7.5 points in eight outings in this 155 player’s field World Chess Federation (FIDE) tournament.

In earlier games, Shvedova bested Marticio in Saturday’s seventh round.

Meanwhile, Ruelle Canino yielded to Woman Candidate Master Nguyen Linh Dan of Vietnam in 56 moves of of a Philidors defense in Round 8. With the loss, the Cagayan de Oro City bet Canino was stuck at 5.5 points and dropped to 17th to 26th places. Canino chekcmated Ngoc Hien Nguyen of Vietnam in 27 moves of a London System Opening in Round 7.

Ngoc Hien, Yesun Lee of the United States and Kseniya Norman of Belarus were tied a 4th to 6th places with 6.5 points each.

Woman National Master Candidate April Joy Claros defeated Jenny Zhu of the United States in Round 7 and Wendy Huang of the Netherlands in Round 8 to score 6 points, good for tie 7th to 16th places.

In the Open 14 and under, Wayne Ruiz subdued Nagare Kaivalya Sandip of India in Round 7 and Eric Ning of Canada in Round 8 to notch 6 points and share 7th to 22nd places.

The National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP), headed by President/Chairman Rep. Prospero “Butch” Arreza Pichay Jr., is supporting the campaign of the Filipino woodpushers as part of its continuing program to train and develop outstanding young players.

Standings after round 8: (155 player’s field World Chess Federation-FIDE tournament)
7.5 points—WFM Alexandra Shvedova (Russia)
7 points—Jersey Marticio (Philippines), WFM Kai Ni Agnes Chong (Malaysia)
6.5 points—WCM Nguyen Linh Dan (Vietnam), Yesun Lee (USA), Kseniya Norman (Belarus)
6 points—April Joy Claros (Philippines), WFM Fiorella Contreras Huaman (Peru), WIM Ellen Wang (USA), Liu Kelsey (USA), Lara Putar (Ireland), WCM Anika Rajaram (USA), Jemima Paulo (Angola), Darya Shevtsova (Russia), Khishigbaatar Bayasgalan (Mongolia), WCM Nguyen Le Cam Hien (Vietnam)

Yonal Sumanathilake and Yenuli Udapola Lead

Two players, Yonal Sumanathilake (above left) of Royal International School, Kegalle and Ranpalee Attanayake (above right) of Furguson High School scored 4 points out of 4 games to lead the Sabaragamuwa (Open) event with full points and being unbeaten. Yonal Sumanathilake beat Yasandu Jayawardane, H V C I B Hedeniya, P B B Nawaratne and Tharuli Dinethma while Ranpalee Attanayake beat Danira Nethmitha, W S D Piyasinghe, Oshada Senarathne and Hirantha Rathnayake to share the lead.

K. Nisal Perera (The Chess Mates Academy, Wellawaya) is in the 3^rd place with 3 ½ points on the better tie breaker.

In the Womens Novices Chess championship of North western Region 5 players namely; Yenuli Udapola (above left) of Maliyadeva Balika Vidyalaya, RMDD Rasnayake (above center) of Maliyadeva Balika Vidyalaya, LGHMS Somarathne (above right) of Royal International School, Kurunegala, MABT Mudarapperuma (Giriulla Chess Club) and Denuri Ariyathilake (Royal International School, Kurunegala) shared the top scoring 4 out of 4 games being unbeaten

Yenuli Udapola beat Savithi Herath, MD Dissanayake, TM Bandara and Monadi Amarasinghe while RMDD Rasnayake beat IMSK Idirisinghe, JA Rishithi Dhanodhya and WMLGN Weerasekara with a bye in the 1^st round to score 4 points. LGHMS Somarathne scored wins against Dinethra Jayakody, MAOD Madurapperuma, Senuli Dinethma and Useli Bandara while MABT Mudarapperuma beat Nulara Athukorala, Tharuprbha Weerasinghe, Hansali Amaratunge and HGKG Amaratunge to score full points. Denuri Ariyathilake beat Sandali Liyanaarachchi, Kavee Rajapaksha, Tenuli Udapola and DMBS Dissanayake in her 4 points..

The Novices Division of the Sri Lanka Online Rapid National Chess Championships 2021 is planned to have in 7 regions, Western I (Colombo District), Western II (Gampaha and Kaluthara District), Central Province, Wayamba Province, Southern Province, Sabaragamuwa region (Sabaragamuwa and Uva Provinces) and Northern Region (Northern, Eastern, and North Central Provinces).

Top 19 players  of the Sabaragamuwa Open event and the Top 21 players of the North-Western Women’s event will obtain the license to the appropriate Major Division Chess Championships to be held from late August 2021.

The Inaugural Sri Lanka Online National Rapid Chess Championship Cycle 2021 consists of 4 stages. The Cycle is started with the Novices events in 7 regions followed by the Major Division Events in the same regions. The Top players will join with the selectees from Major Division events in the National B event. The Top 14 players of the National B will join the current National Chess Champion and the Top rank player in the 15 round, Round Robin event in the 1st stage of the finals while a knocked out of top four players of Round Robin event will be played as 2nd stage of the finals. The same structure will be followed in the Women’s Event as well.

The event details are available at the following links:

https://chess-results.com/tnr573641.aspx?lan=1

https://chess-results.com/tnr573642.aspx?lan=1

by Marlon Bernardino
MANILA, Philippines—Woman National Master Jersey Marticio disposed her rated rival while Woman National Master Candidate April Joy Claros split the point on Friday, August 13, 2021, to lead the Philippines’ charge in the fourth round of the FIDE Online Rapid World Cup Cadets & Youth -Girls 14 and under online chess championship  virtually held at Tornelo Platform.

Marticio, the 14 year old incoming Grade 9 student of Pulo National High School in Cabuyao City, Laguna, checkmated WCM Ashley Pang of the United States of America in 31 moves of of a Sicilian defense, dragon variation while Claros, the 14 year old, incoming Grade 9 student of Far Eastern University, halved the point with WIM Ellen Wang of the USA in 50 moves of a Queen’s Gambit Accepted.

With the win, Marticio raised her total perfect 4 points, good for a tiefor  1st to 3rd places along with Ekaterina Kirdyashkina of Russia and Kelsey Liu of the United States of America.

” I hope to sustain my winning ways,” said Marticio, one of the talented young players of Cabuyao City.

Claros (photo above), the pride of Angeles City, Pampanga, on the other hand, notched 3.5 points , the same output of Saffiah Maisarah Mohd Fadzli of Malaysia, WCM Linh Dan Nguyen of Vietnam, Ngoc Hien Nguyen of Vietnam, Yesun Lee of the USA, WCM Enkhbolor Nyamdavaa of Mongolia, WFM Alexandra Shvedova of Russia, WCM Anika Rajaram of the USA, WIM Ellen Wang of the USA and Emily Maton of England.

” I hope to do well in this prestigious event,” said Claros, a quarter-finalist in last year’s edition.
Marticio’s stint here was made possible by the undying support of Cabuyao City Mayor Mel Gecolea, Cabuyao City Sports Director Jerome Paul Lualhati, Bayanihan sa Cabuyao Executive Director Michael Aranzanso and Cabuyao Chess Committee Chairman & President of Philippine Executive Chess Association Dr. Fred Paez while Claros plays under the guidance of GM Jayson Gonzales and Mr. Jimmy Reyes.

Earlier, Marticio brought down Carol Ndlovu of Zimbabwe in the first round, Kseniya Norman of Belarus in the second round and WCM Veronika Shubenkova of Russia in the third round while Claros subdued Angel-Jordan Quansah of Ghana, Lara Putar of Ireland and WFM Aliett Valdes Boza of Cuba, respectively.

Another Filipino entry Ruelle “Tawing” Canino from Cagayan de Oro City defeated Enkhrii Enkh-Amgalan of Mongolia to scored 3 points and climb to a share of 15th to 40th places in this 155 player’s field World Chess Federation (FIDE) tournament.

The National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP), headed by President/Chairman Rep. Prospero “Butch” Arreza Pichay Jr., is supporting the campaign of the triumvirate Marticio, Claros and Canino as part of its continuing program to train and develop outstanding young players.
Photo shows
Woman National Master Jersey Marticio of Cabuyao City, Laguna (4/4)
Woman National Master Candidate April Joy Claros of Angeles City, Pampanga (3.5/4)

Standings after round 4:
4 points—Jersey Marticio (Philippines), Ekaterina Kirdyashkina (Russia), Kelsey Liu (USA)
3.5 points—Saffiah Maisarah Mohd Fadzli (Malaysia), WCM Linh Dan Nguyen (Vietnam), Ngoc Hien Nguyen (Vietnam), Yesun Lee (USA), April Joy Claros (Philippines), WCM Enkhbolor Nyamdavaa (Mongolia), WFM Alexandra Shvedova (Russia), WCM Anika Rajaram (USA), WIM Ellen Wang (USA), Emily Maton (England)

by Marlon Bernardino
MANILA, Philippines—Norman Jasper B. Montejo dominated the Samar Day 2021 Chess Rapid Tournament (Over the Board) held last August 7, 2021 at Balay  Samarnon, Catbalogan City Samar.
Montejo scored 5.5 points to rule the 6-round over the board chess tournament and went home with the top prize of P7,000 in this event backed up by Gov. Michael Tan and Congw. Sharee Ann Tan in celebration of Samar Day 2021 in cooperation with Catbalogan City Chess Club  and Sirak Kabataan which attracted Samarnon Players from District 1 and 2.
Tournament Manager was Debbie J. Calades while Officiating Officials were Athaliah Calades, Arianne Rose A. Abalos and Evelyn Fortaliza.

Andres M. Sabio, Arvin Prias, Arzel Serpa Juan, Lanz Paul O. Lapura, Artemio Ocio, Jr., Rafael Sim and Ruel Velarde were tied for 2nd to 8th places with 4.5 points each while Azis Cabib and Dr. Leo Lofranco end up 9th and 10th places with 4 points apiece.

“Samar Province sponsored Rapid Chess Tournament in celebration of Samar Day 2021  Governor Michael Tan and Congw. Sharee Ann Tan  continued all sports activities initiated by his mother governor Mila Tan to sustain and introduce more sports activities which are aligned to strengthen further the youth development thrust of the provincial administration.”said Tournament Manager Debbie J. Calades.

Photo shows Norman Jasper B. Montejo (left) ponder his next moves against Rafael Sim during the final round of the Samar Day 2021 Chess Rapid Tournament (Over the Board) held last August 7, 2021 at Balay  Samarnon, Catbalogan City Samar in this event backed up by Gov. Michael Tan and Congw. Sharee Ann Tan in celebration of Samar Day 2021 in cooperation with Catbalogan City Chess Club  and Sirak Kabataan which attracted Samarnon Players from District 1 and 2.

The Top 10 Winners during the Samar Day 2021 Chess Rapid Tournament
Champion: Norman Jasper B. Montejo 5.5 pts. (P7,000)
2nd Place: Andres M. Sabio 4.5 pts. (P5,000)
3rd Place: Arvin Prias 4.5 pts. (P3,000)
4th Place: Arzel Serpa Juan 4.5 pts. (P2,000)
5th Place: Lanz Paul O. Lapura 4.5 pts. (P2,000)
6th Place: Artemio Ocio, Jr. 4.5 pts. (P2,000)
7th Place: Rafael Sim 4.5 pts. (P2,000)
8th Place: Ruel Velarde 4.5 pts. (P2,000)
9th Place: Azis Cabib 4 pts. (P2,000)
10th Place: Dr. Leo Lofranco 4 pts. (P2,000)

Buto lands in 24th, Arca overall 36, Cu finishes 64th place

FIDE International Organizers Online Seminar

Zoom 28^th to 31^st July 2021

FIDE IO Online Seminar was held on the Zoom from 28^th to 31^st July 2021.

It was organized by the Asian Chess Federation Academy, and under the auspices of FIDE Events Commission.

The opening session was attended by Hisham Al-Taher, Secretary General of the Asian Chess Federation, Solakoglu Ozgur, Chairman of the FIDE Events Commission, Casto Abundo ACF Executive Director, and Mehrdad Pahlevanzadeh, Secretary of FIDE Rules Commission.

The Lecturer was the FIDE Lecturer IO/IA Mahdi Abdulrahim (UAE) FIDE Rules Commission Chairman. And Chairman of the ACF Arbiters Commission. The seminar was moderated by Hisham Al-Taher, Secretary General of the Asian Chess Federation.

The Language of the Seminar was in Arabic.

Daily lectures were from 16.00-22.00 Dubai Time (+4 GMT).  1^st August 2021 was the seminar examination test (16 Hours +3 Hours Exam)

Thirty-Three (33) participants are registered from Twelve (12) federations, there were from IRI, OMA, IRQ, YEM, KSA, LEB, KUW, EGY, LBA, SOM, SUD, PLE. Twenty-Fife (25) of them passed the examination test which was held after the end of the lectures.

The Seminar will give FIDE IO norm, according to the Regulations for the FIDE Events Commission. after the approval of the next FIDE Council meeting.

North Western Open Event and Sabaragamuwa Women’s event

Rathnayaka D R M R S and Hasandie Clinched the Top

Six players, D R M R S Rathnayka (Maliyadeva College), Lakvindu Nuwarapaksha (Maliadeva College), J M I P B Jayakody (Wickramashila National School), Daksha Hansara Bentharaarachchi (Maliyadeva College), D C B K Senevirathne (Maliyadeva College), and Methsara Wijesinghe (Madurankuliya National School) were able to share the lead of the North-Western Open Event by winning all four games out of possible 4 games. Due to the Tie-brake system, Rathanyaka took the top spot and the other five players are following him with a great attitude to be victorious. Keerthisinghe, M S H Perera, Ranuka Rathnayaka, and W A H K Wijesinghe are the players who were fallen into the net of Rathnayaka. Except for Keerthisinghe, the other three players are still giving a huge fight to clinch the top while keeping three points in their pockets.

Lakvindu Nuwarapaksha       J M I P B Jayakody           Daksha Hansara Bentharaarachchi

Hansadie Aradhya Akuratiya (Pushpadana High School), P Arunodya (Dharmapala Maha Vidyalaya, Ratnapura) and Sasmi Sithumsa (Lyceum International, Ratnapura) shined at the end of the fourth round of the Sabaragamuwa Women’s event. After defeating Gauravi Upunya, E M D B Ekanayake, M D T N Rathnayaka, and Thumeshi Hasandi Gunasena to score full points, Aradhya manage to steal the throne with the advantage of tie-brakes.

P Arunodya

The Novices Division of the Sri Lanka Online Rapid National Chess Championships 2021 is planned to have in 7 regions, Western I (Colombo District), Western II (Gampaha and Kaluthara District), Central Province, Wayamba Province, Southern Province, Sabaragamuwa region (Sabaragamuwa and Uva Provinces) and Northern Region (Northern, Eastern, and North Central Provinces).

Top 25 players of the North-Western Open event and the Top 16 players of the Sabaragamuwa Women’s event will obtain the license to the appropriate Majors Division Chess Championships to be held from late August 2021.

The Inaugural Sri Lanka Online National Rapid Chess Championship Cycle 2021 consists of 4 stages. The Cycle is started with the Novices events in 7 regions followed by the Major Division Events in the same regions. The Top players will join with the selectees from Major Division events in the National B event. The Top 14 players of the National B will join the current National Chess Champion and the Top rank player in the 15 round, Round Robin event in the 1st stage of the finals while a knocked out of top four players of Round Robin event will be played as 2nd stage of the finals. The same structure will be followed in the Women’s Event as well.

The event details are available at the following links:

https://chess-results.com/tnr572759.aspx?lan=1&art=9&fed=SRI&snr=3

https://chess-results.com/tnr572760.aspx?lan=1&art=9&fed=SRI&snr=5