The senior Chess team of Royal College led by B.D.S.Mendis won the 21st Battle of the Kings, an U20 All Island Inter School Chess Championship organized by the Royal College Chess Club, winning 25 out of a possible 30 games. They thrashed the top seed and defending champions Ananda College 4.5-1.5 and beat Dharmasoka College Ambalangoda 4-2 in the last round to win convincingly with a 4.5 point lead. Dharmasoka ended up 2nd with Ananda receiving 3rd. The best team among girls was the girls team of Dharmasoka College Ambalangoda with Anula and St. Josephs coming 2nd and 3rd respectively. The top scorer of the tournament was 16 year old Lakindu Withange, playing on the 1st board for Royal with 5/5.

The tournament, organized by Royal for the 21st consecutive year under the College captaincy of Thimesha Amarasena was graced by 21 teams from all four corners of the country, including from as far as Jaffna and Batticaloa. Initiated in 1996 the Battle of the Kings is known to be the tournament organized consecutively for the longest period of time by any student body. Throughout the years it has earned a reputation within the chess world due to its intense competition and high tournament standards.

This year’s event showcased the true potential of Royal Chess, not only in performing for College, but also in organizing a successful event. Congratulations to the chess team of Royal for bringing glory to its Alma Mater once again