Dinukshi Premanath - new Fidemaster at World Chess Olympiad

by Upananda JAYASUNDERA - Kandy Sports Special Corr.

Chess: Dinukshi Premanath - a 15 year-old student of Girls High School, Kandy became the new woman Fidemaster (WFM) at the recently held 39th World Chess Olympiad in Khanty-Manasiyst, Soviet Union.

Dinukshi participated in the Chess Olympiad along with Sachin Ranasinghe of Musaeus College, Colombo, Mayumi Muhandiram of Maliyadeva College, Kurunegala, Pramodya Ekanayake of Moratuwa Campus and Iridu Basnayake also of Girls High School, Kandy. Dinukshi, however, was the only successful Fidemaster at the Games. Dinukshi is the present National Chess Champion and has represented the country at the following chess tournaments:

2007: Participated in the Asian Youth Chess Championship at Al-ain, UAE.

2008: Third Asian School Chess Festival - under 13 girls, 1st runner-up Individual and team became champions.

2009: Asian Youth Chess Championship, New Delhi, India: Team secured third place. Participated in World Youth Chess Championship, Turkey. Also participated in Asian Team Chess Championship in Chennai, India.

2009: Mora Kings International Chess Championship - Best player among women. Colombo International Chess Championship - Best player among women.

Iridu Udanthi Basnayake - the fellow student of Dinukshi who participated with her, has the following achievements:

2004: Under 10 - World Youth Chess Championship held in Herakhoin, Greece.

2006: Under 11 - Asian Schools Chess Festival held in Singapore. Team came second and received Silver Medal.

2007: Asian Youth Chess Championship held in Al-Onvi, UAE.

2009: Asian Youth Chess Championship held in New Delhi, India. Team came third and won Bronze Medal.