A classic battle- Game 1

29 April 2020

27/04/2020 by Global Chess Team

Nirosh De Silva is a former National Champion who played for the Royal College senior team. Those who know him then, have seen his talents over the board. He was a chess legend of Sri Lanka. Nirosh became National Champion four times in the years 1997, 1999, 2001 and 2002, before he moved to USA. Later he was back in Sri Lanka temporarily and served as a coach for many leading players and the University of Sri Jayewardenepura chess teams leading them to success. None can forget the following game he played in Commonwealth Chess Championship 2000 incorporating the Sangli Open. Nirosh commented when I reminded him about this game in a recent FB chat: “The funny thing is that I was his room mate and could not really prepare for the game”. He further noted that his opponent was a strong player over a rating of 2450 who had done well in recent events at the time. It should be noted that Ziaur Rahman became GM in 2002. According to Nirosh, the game was over the board analysis. Nirosh became an FM with a peak rating 2243 (January 2003). Even though he has changed the federation to US, Nirosh reminds the present top level players who are committed and who are still active in playing, to encourage SL Chess by backing the young talents and other players. Nirosh has always been helpful if time and availability has permitted. Here is the game you will never forget once you go through it!

Nirosh De Silva vs Ziaur Rahman Commonwealth-ch (2000), Sangli, rd 4 Sicilian Defense: Old Sicilian. Open (B32) • 1-0