In a dazzling display of strategic brilliance and tactical finesse, International Master Susal De Silva and the promising young talent Oshini Devindya Gunawardhana have left an indelible mark at the prestigious Asian Youth Chess Championships 2023 held in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates from December 14th to 21st.
A Gathering of Asian Chess Prodigies:
- The Asian Youth Chess Championships is a pinnacle event, attracting young talents from all corners of Asia, vying for supremacy in age groups ranging from Under 08 to 18, both in the Open and Girls categories. The tournament, held under the auspices of the Asian Chess Federation and affiliated with the World Chess Federation, showcases the future stars of the game.
The Chess Battle Unfolds:
With a time control of 90 minutes plus a 30-second increment from move 01, each championship unfolded in a rigorous 9-round Swiss format, testing the mettle of every participant.
Under 18 Open Category Triumph – IM Susal De Silva:
In a fiercely contested Under 18 Open category, 40 players battled for supremacy. International Master Susal De Silva, of Nalanda College, emerged as the undisputed champion, scoring a perfect 7/7 points. His unbeaten run throughout the event showcased not just skill but also nerves of steel. D.I. Zhang of China, also with 7/7 points, had to settle for the first runner-up position based on tie-breaks. The second runner-up position went to FM Satbek Akhmedinov of Kazakhstan, who secured 6.5/7 points with a superior tie-break.
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Under 12 Girls Category Brilliance – Oshini Devindya Gunawardhana:
In the Under 12 Girls category, featuring 57 participants, Oshini Devindya Gunawardhana of Wycherley International School exhibited exceptional prowess. She secured the first runner-up position, clinching the silver medal with 7/9 points. Despite a single loss in the 5th round, Oshini’s performance was stellar. The championship was claimed by Muziyan Gao of China, scoring an impressive 8.5/9 points, while Mariya Kholyavko of Kazakhstan secured the second runner-up position with 6.5/9 points.
A Celebration of Talent:
The achievements of IM Susal De Silva and Oshini Devindya Gunawardhana not only underscore their brilliance but also bring honour to Sri Lanka on the international chess stage. Their dedication, skill, and sportsmanship exemplify the spirit of chess as a game of intellect, strategy, and unwavering determination. Congratulations to these young maestros on their stellar performances at the Asian Youth Chess Championships 2023!
