Unveiling the triumphs of the 11th Dhamso International Chess Festival

By IA Malith Akalanka

International Master Himas Gusain (India) was crowned the DICF Player of the Year in the 11^th Dhamso International Chess Festival 2024, while Sandithi Kusalya Alwis emerged as the Women’s Champion of the event.

The 11^th Dhamso International Chess Festival 2024 took place from 17^th to 21^st May 2024, boasting a record-breaking participation of 472 players. Held at the prestigious S. Thomas De Silva Memorial Auditorium, Dharmasoka College, the DICF 2024 was a FIDE-rated event encompassing both standard and blitz championships.

The Old Boys’ Chess Association organised this esteemed championship with the affiliation of FIDE, the Asian Chess Federation, and the Chess Federation of Sri Lanka. Since its inauguration in 2011, the Dhamso International Chess Festival has remained the first FIDE-rated event organised by a school-affiliated association in Sri Lanka.

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This year’s event offered a total prize fund of one million five hundred thousand LKR, including trophies, medals, and certificates for all participants, along with a special cash prize of One hundred and fifty thousand LKR for the DICF Player of the Year.

The tournament featured top players from Sri Lanka and beyond, with International Master Himal Gusain of India leading the ranks. International Master Harshana Thilakarathna of Sri Lanka also graced the event, securing the second position in the starting rank list.

Parallel to the main event, the Dhamso International Blitz Chess Championship 2024 unfolded on the evening of May 18^th, 2024. Harsha Senatathne and WCM K M Dahamdi Sanudula emerged victorious in the Open and Women categories of the blitz event, respectively. T H D Thisarindu Induwara and C C Weerasinghe secured the first and second runners-up positions in the Open category, while Sethumlee Devhara Palliyage and M Esandi Newansa claimed the corresponding positions in the Women's category.

In the main event, IM Himal Gusain clinched the Open Championship with a remarkable score of 9½/10 points, conceding only one draw to IM Harshana Thilakarathne, who secured the first runner-up position with 9/10 points. G W D M Dabarera secured the second runner-up position with 8½/10 points.

Left to right: IM Himal Gusain, Raweendra Pushpakumara, K A D Karunarathna, Sasith Nipun Piyumantha (Presiden of Dharmasoka College Old Boys’ Chess Association)

In the Women’s Championship, Sandithi Kusalya Alwis emerged victorious with 7½/10 points, edging out competitors in a closely contested event. Four players tied for the championship with 7½/10 points. Sethumlee Devhara Palliyage and B Yenuthi Sahanlee Perera secured the first and second runners-up positions, respectively. J M Theruni Jayasundara had to be satisfied with fourth place with her tie-break.

Left to right: Raweendra Pushpakumara, K A D Karunarathna, Sasith Nipun Piyumantha (Presiden of Dharmasoka College Old Boys’ Chess Association), Sandithi Kusalya Alwis 

The University of Moratuwa claimed the championship title in the Higher Education Teams category, with Sabaragamuwa University securing the first runners-up position. In the Government Service and Mercantile Teams category, Sri Lanka Navy Western Command and Sri Lanka Navy Southern Command emerged as the champions and first runners-up, respectively.

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Apart from competitive matches, rating category prizes and age group winners were also recognised for their outstanding performances.

The awards ceremony was graced by distinguished guests, including Mr. Raweendra Pushpakumara as the chief guest who was the first chess coach of Dharmasoka College and former master in-charge of chess, who currently serves as the Principal of Sri Sumangala College, Panadura. Additionally, Mr Luxman Wijesuriya, President of the Chess Federation of Sri Lanka, was present, along with Mr Saman Priyantha Wijewickrama, and Mr K A D Karunarathna, Principal of Dharmasoka College, further highlighting the significance of the event in the chess community.

The success of the 11^th Dhamso International Chess Festival 2024 was made possible through the generous support of sponsors, including Qatar Alumina of Dharmasoka College, Dharmasoka College Past Pupils’ Association — UAE, AKRA FOTO Digital Colourlab & Studio, INLUCK Computers & Printers, and Panhinda Bookshop.

Congratulations to all the winners, and anticipation builds for the 12^th edition of the Dhamso International Chess Festival in 2025.

Final standings

...473 participants

All available games

Links

• 10th Dhamso International Chess Festival in Sri Lanka
• Reconstructing ancient games with an AI
• Bisik-Bisik with IA KK Chan