EvonSys Triumphs at the 7th Mercantile & Government Services International Rating Blitz Team Chess Championship 2024; LSEG Secures Women’s Title.
The 7th Mercantile & Government Services International Rating Blitz Team Chess Championship 2024 concluded with an impressive showcase of rapid moves and strategic brilliance on November 10, 2024, at the Sports Ministry Pavilion, Torrington Square, Colombo 07. Organized by the Mercantile Chess Association under the auspices of the Chess Federation of Sri Lanka, the championship brought together the top corporate and government chess teams for an intense and competitive day of play.
EvonSys Clinches the Championship Title
In a tightly contested open category, EvonSys emerged as the overall champions, amassing 13 out of 14 match points. Their dominant performance set them apart from the competition, securing the title in style. Navy Team A finished as the first runner-up with 11 match points, narrowly edging out Sri Lanka Customs A due to superior match points, leaving Sri Lanka Customs A in the second runner-up position.
LSEG Takes the Women’s Championship
In the women’s category, the LSEG team demonstrated exceptional skill and consistency, winning the championship with 10 match points. The Hatton National Bank Women’s team finished as the first runner-up, showcasing strong performances throughout the rounds. IFS Women’s team secured the second runner-up position, rounding out the top three.
Individual Board Prizes
In addition to the team awards, exceptional players were recognized with board prizes for their outstanding performances:
Board 01: H M Karunanayake (MAS Holdings A)
Board 02: Niranga Kandearachchi (Sri Lanka Customs A)
Board 03: Elath Mathanga De Silva (IFS Mayans)
Board 04: C K D Fonseka (Hatton National Bank)
List of Team Members – Open
EvonSys (Champions):
- K R V R Subasinghe
- K A P M Ariyawansa
- Shanaka Munasinghe
- Lahiru Munasinghe
Navy Team A (First Runners-up):
- D A Viraj Darshana Gunarathna
- U W R K Jayawickrama
- H H Sasindu Lakshitha
- D Kalindu Deshappriya
Sri Lanka Customs A (Second Runners-up):
- G G P D Yapabandara
- Niranga Kandearachchi
- I L K Tennakoon
- T G Sachindu Dilshara
List of Team Members – Women’s
LSEG (Women’s Champions):
- WIM Nelunika Methmani
- Nisanya Pathirana
- D.H. Roshana Tharindi
- Oshaka Perera
Hatton National Bank Women’s team (Women’s First Runners-up)
- K G Rashmi Tharuka
- Paramitha Kodithuwakku
- Swathiga Paranajothy
- P G M Weerasinghe
IFS Women’s team (Women’s Second Runners-up)
- Dulini Dayalu Weerakkody
- M M S Wasula Bandara
- V N W Siriwardana
- Thanuri De Costa
The 7th Mercantile & Government Services Blitz Team Chess Championship 2024 was an exhilarating event, highlighting the growing popularity and competitive spirit of chess within the corporate and government sectors of Sri Lanka. Congratulations to all the teams and individual players for their remarkable achievements and for upholding the spirit of the game.