Countdown to Excellence: The 14th Ethugalpura International Rating Chess Championship Begins!
- In a few hours, everyone will turn its eyes toward the historic city of Kurunegala, where the prestigious 14th Ethugalpura International Rating Chess Championship is due to kick off. Organized from the 20th to 24th at the impressive Hotel Blue Sky, this five-day event guarantees a feast of exciting encounters, brilliant strategies, and lifelong memories.
A Premier Event in the Chess Calendar of Sri Lanka
- Since its very beginning, the Ethugalpura Championship has established itself as a flagship event, attracting chess enthusiasts and top players from all over the world. This year, the tournament proudly boasts a prize fund of more than 1.2 million LKR, with awards in various categories such as open, women, age-based, and special ratings.
- The organizing committee, led by the Knights Flame Chess Club supported by the Chess Federation of Sri Lanka, has seen to it that everything is being done with minute details in mind. The venue itself is a hub of enthusiastic participants, spectators, and officials who are preparing to celebrate this grand festival of chess.
Schedule Highlights
- December 19: Arrival of players and officials.
- December 20: Opening Ceremony and commencement of Round 1.
- December 22: Blitz Event for Arbiter and Parents – a unique opportunity for accompanying guests to showcase their chess skills and join in the competitive spirit.
- December 23: Women’s Blitz Event – a fast-paced contest celebrating the strategic brilliance of women players.
- December 24: Closing Ceremony and Prize Distribution.
Awards That Inspire
- The championship recognizes excellence at all levels, with a dazzling array of trophies, medals, and cash prizes on offer: Open Category Champion: Trophy, Gold Medal, and 150,000 LKR; Best Women Champion: Trophy, Gold Medal, and 75,000 LKR; Age Categories: Under 7, 9, 11, 13, and 15-Prizes for both boys and girls; Special Rating Prizes: Players ranging from 1700 to 1900, 1500 to 1699, and others.
Every participant will also be given a certificate, celebrating their journey in this iconic tournament.
A Chess Festival Like No Other
- This championship isn’t about competition; it’s about camaraderie, honing young talent, and showcasing Sri Lanka’s prowess on the international chess stage. The historical backdrop of Kurunegala adds a unique charm, blending the rich cultural heritage of the region with the intellectual rigor of chess.
- Spectators can expect fierce battles on the board, with competitors from diverse backgrounds bringing their unique styles and strategies. From the thrilling Blitz Events to the intense final rounds, this tournament promises excitement at every turn.
The Spirit of Chess
- The wait is almost over as the countdown nears the opening ceremony. Players are fine-tuning their strategies, spectators are journeying to Kurunegala, and the chessboards are ready for action. This championship is not just a test of skill; it’s a celebration of the timeless beauty of chess and the spirit of competition.
Stay tuned for day-to-day updates, exclusive insights, and highlights of this grand tournament. The 14th Ethugalpura International Rating Chess Championship is more than a tournament; it’s a tradition, a challenge, and a tribute to the never-dying legacy of chess. Let the games begin!
Live Games , Ranks & News : https://ethugalpura.chesssl.com