Turning a new page in Sri Lankan chess, the most awaited event in the chess calendar: the 10^th Kandy Open International Chess Festival organized by the 64 Squares International Chess Academy ceremonially commenced today at Oak Ray Regency- Kandy. The opening ceremony was graced by chief guests: Prof Baratha Dodankotuwa, Mr. Luxman Wijesuriya, the Managing Director of 64 Squares international chess academy – Fide Master Rajeendra Kalugampitiya and the number one male and female player of Sri Lanka Mr. Harshana Thilakarathne and Miss Tenara De Silva respectively, who are also members of the 64 Squares International Chess Academy.

The tournament will be held from the 22^nd August to 27^th August at Oak Ray Regency Kandy. The event is consisted of two main events: The Kandy Open Rated Chess Tournament and the Kandy Open Blitz Chess Tournament. The open tournament will be consisted of 11 rounds.

The total cash prize of this grand event exceeds one million rupees, out of which the champion will be given a cash prize of one hundred thousand rupees and a trophy. All the winners of the open category and the age categories will be awarded attractive prizes.

Breaking the previous records, this year 826 players participated in this glorious tournament representing 5 federations namely Sri Lanka, India, Australia, England and Zimbabwe. Top three seats of the event in the starting ranking list were held by 1- Mitrabhha Guha- IND (2417) 2-Chakravarthi Reddy M- IND(2392) 3- Subhayan Kundu – IND(2280)

At the end of the day one, two rounds of the tournament were successfully completed. The round 3 and 4 will be held on the 23^rd August 2019 at 9.00am and 3.00pm respectively.

Stay tuned for the latest updates and the best news of the 10^th Kandy Open!