Navy Team A Triumphs at the 6th Mercantile & Government Services International Rating Rapid Team Chess Championship 2024; LSEG Secures Women’s Title
The 6th Mercantile & Government Services International Rating Rapid Team Chess Championship 2024 concluded with remarkable performances on November 9, 2024, at the Sports Ministry Pavilion, Torrington Square, Colombo 07. The championship was organized by the Mercantile Chess Association, under the auspices of the Chess Federation of Sri Lanka. The tournament attracted 43 teams and featured a 7-round Swiss format with a time control of 15 minutes plus a 10-second increment per move, making for an exciting day of rapid chess.
Navy Team A Emerges Victorious in the Open Category
In a highly competitive open category, Navy Team A clinched the championship title, finishing with 12/14 match points. The team was tied with EvonSys, but Navy Team A’s superior game points—the first tie-break criterion—secured their victory. EvonSys took the first runner-up position, while IFS Mayans claimed the second runner-up spot.
LSEG Dominates the Women’s Category
The women’s category saw a thrilling contest as well, with the LSEG team winning the championship title with 8/14 match points. They tied with IFS Women’s team but outperformed them in-game points to secure the top spot. The IFS Women’s team finished as the first runner-up, followed by Bank of Ceylon – Women A team, which took the second runner-up position.
The awards ceremony recognised not only the winning teams but also exceptional individual performances across the boards. The following players were honoured with board prizes:
Board 01: Shakila Aluvihare (JKH Team A)
Board 02: Niranga Kandearachchi (Sri Lanka Customs A)
Board 03: Ravi Prabath Dickmadugodage (MAS Holdings)
Board 04: D Kalindu Deshappriya (Navy Team A)
Team Members of the Winning Teams – Open
Navy Team A:
- D A Viraj Darshana Gunarathna
- U W R K Jayawickrama
- H H Sasindu Lakshitha
- D Kalindu Deshappriya
EvonSys:
- K R V R Subasinghe
- K A P M Ariyawansa
- Shanaka Munasinghe
- Lahiru Munasinghe
IFS Mayans:
- K R K C Subasinghe
- ACM B M C P Banneheka
- Elath Mathanga De Silva
- C G Wijenayake
Team Members of the Winning Teams – Women’s
LSEG:
- WIM Nelunika Methmani
- Nisanya Pathirana
- D.H. Roshana Tharindi
IFS Women’s team:
- Dulini Dayalu Weerakkody
- V N W Siriwardana
- Thanuri De Costa
- M M S Wasula Bandara
Bank of Ceylon – Women A team
- J M N T Rathgalla
- I D Bulugahapitiya
- S A Gunatilake
The 6th Mercantile & Government Services Rapid Team Chess Championship 2024 showcased the immense talent and enthusiasm for chess within Sri Lanka’s corporate and government sectors. Congratulations to all the teams and players for their outstanding performances and sportsmanship.
