Sanudula Dahamdi of Musaeus College took the lead with 5 points out of six games when she beat Naduni Abeywardena in the sixth round of the second Sri Lanka Women’s Chess Grand Prix yesterday at the halfway mark at the Chess Federation headquarters, Nugegoda. She beat Gaveshi Wickremaratne in the fifth round. Sanudula, who is one of the strongest young girl chess players in Sri Lanka will face her challenges in the next session which will begin on Friday.
Tharushi Niklesha of Visakha Vidyalaya obtained a draw with Gaveshi Wickramaratne, an upcoming player to stay in 4 ½ points, just a half a point less than the leader. She beat her school mate Pasindi Wijesuriya in the fifth round. Former women’s National Chess Champion, Dasuni Hansika Mendis and Sri Lanka Women’s National No 2 Sandeepani Tharushi are sharing the third place with 4 points. Dasuni beat Oshini Gunawardena and Sandeepani beat Esha Pallie in the 5th round.
The second Sri Lanka Women’s Chess Grand Prix 2021 is conducted by the Chess Federation of Sri Lanka from February 13 to 21 with total prize money of Rs. 70,000. Only 12 top players in the country are participating in this event which is conducted on a Round Robin Basis for 11 rounds.
The next round will be held on February19 (evening only) and 20 and, 21 at the same venue.
