Oneli wins under 14 chess title

Oneli Vithanavasam from Lyceum International School Wattala emerged the Sri Lanka National Youth Chess Championships Under 14 Girls title yesterday at the Sashthrananda Vidyalaya, Dehiwela. The tournament conducted by Chess Federation of Sri Lanka (CFSL). Oneli has scored 6 points out of 7 games to win the title comfortably.

Though two other players, Esandi Nevansa of Dharmasoka College and Yasasi Abeysekara of Sujatha Vidyalaya Matara also scored 6 points each Oneli won the championship and the gold medal on better tie breaking points. Esandi won the silver medal and Yasasi the bronze medal according to their tie breakers.

Earlier Oneli beat Grero Sasindi Prashansa, Amarathunga Gayuni Hansali, Jayathissa J Y, Devaraja Dahamsa Punsadi, Rathnayake R M Dulinma Hemalini and drew with Ramanayake Nemindi Linaya and Newansa M Esandi to reach 6 points.

The top three winners will get the selection to play in International Youth Chess events and this tournament gave good exposure for the yougesters, said CFSL President Luxman Wijesuriya.