Dahamdi wins Women’s Chess Grand Prix 2021

Sanudula Dahamdi of Musaeus College receiving the trophy from Lakshman Wijesuriya, the president of the Chess Federation of Sri Lanka.

Fourteen-year- old Sanudula Dahamdi of Musaeus College won the 2nd Sri Lanka Women’s Chess Grand Prix 2021 convincingly at the Chess Federation of Sri Lanka headquarters on Sunday. She led the event from the start and concluded with nine points against her name in 11 games.

In the penultimate round she scored a crucial win against Niklesha Tharusi, the eventual runners up. She had a one point lead coming to the final round where she drew with Esha Pallie. She suffered one defeat at the hands of Sandeepani Tharushi, registered draws against Dasuni Mendis and Esha Pallie and won all other eight games.

Sanudula was awarded the Championship trophy, gold medal and Rs. 30,000.00 in cash.

Niklesha Tharushi of Visakha Vidyalaya also had a good event. Her victory in the final round helped her settle for the runners up award. She was awarded the silver medal and Rs. 20,000.00 in cash.

Pasindi Yathra Wijesuriya and Dasuni Mendis from Visakha Vidyalaya won seven points each. Pasindi was awarded the bronze after doing better in a tie breaker.

The 2nd Sri Lanka Women’s Chess Grand Prix 2021 was conducted by the Chess Federation of Sri Lanka from February 13 to 21. Only the top 12 players in the country participated in this event.