Ranindu wins Sri Lanka chess Grand Prix

Winners of the Sri Lanka Chess Grand Prix 2021 pose with Luxman Wijesuriya (2nd right), the President of the Chess Federation of Sri Lanka. From left: Minul Doluweera, Ranindu Liyanage and Theekshana Denuwan (extreme right).

Reigning national champion Ranindu Liyanage maintained his supremacy in crucial rapid games to clinch the title of the Sri Lanka Chess Grand Prix 2021 on Sunday.

The Ananda College player emerged the winner of the first tie breaker rapid game and drew the second after the classical games ended with the finalists sharing equal points.

Royal College player Minul Doluweera started with white in the first round of the final and opened with the queen’s gambit move to end the round with a tame draw. In the second round Liyanage opened with the popular e4 move and Minul’s answer was Caro Kann defense, c6. Ranindu replied with advance e4 and agreed to a draw in the 28th move.

With the final being decided in rapid format games, Liyanage further enhanced his reputation as a champion of fast chess. Liyanage was awarded the championship trophy, gold medal and a cash reward of Rs 50,000.00.

Doluweera, who was the winner of the round robin stage, was awarded a trophy and a silver medal. He also received a cash reward of Rs. 30,000.00.

In the consolation final Theekshana Denuwan of Ananda College beat S. Sivathanujan in the first game and drew in the second round to earn Rs. 20,000.00 and the bronze medal. Sivathanujan who is from Kokavil Hindu College also received a cash reward (Rs. 10,000.00) for his fourth place finish.

The awards presentation was held under the patronage of Luxman Wijesuriya, the President of the Chess Federation.

A total of 12 leading chess players participated in the Sri Lanka Chess Grand Prix 2021 which commenced on January 28. The Chess Federation of Sri Lanka conducted the event adhering to strict health guidelines.