Narine wins October Rapid Chess title

Oct 24, 2024 Sports

Kaieteur Sports – Reigning Junior Chess Champion Ricardo Narine clinched victory at the October Rapid Chess Tournament, hosted by the Guyana Chess Federation. The seven-round Swiss tournament took place on Sunday, October 20th, 2024, at the David Rose Special School in Thomas Lands. The Open category featured a mix of both rated and unrated players, competing in the same section for the top prizes.

Reigning Junior Chess Champion Ricardo Narine (right) collecting his winner’s trophy.

A total of thirty participants, including eleven women, vied for the top five positions and a prize fund totaling $40,000. Nineteen-year-old Ricardo Narine emerged as the tournament’s overall winner, securing the first-place prize with an impressive 6.5 points, earning him a trophy and $20,000. Following closely was Kyle Couchman, who also finished with 6.5 points but placed second on tiebreaks, taking home $10,000 and a trophy. Kishun Puran took third place, scoring 5 points.

National Women’s Champion Jessica Callender delivered a strong performance, finishing fourth with 5 points. Veteran player Darshanand Ramlall from the Essequibo Coast rounded out the top five, achieving 4.5 points.

Upon receiving his first-place award, Narine remarked, “Entering the tournament, I noticed a lot of new faces, and I wasn’t sure what to expect from them. After seeing their games, I was impressed by their skill level. Still, I was confident in my chances to either win or at least make it to the podium.” Callender, the only female player in the top five, commented that she appreciates the challenge of Open Tournaments as they require her to prepare thoroughly and play at her highest level. She also expressed confidence in securing a prize despite facing strong male competitors.

The event was overseen by FIDE Master Anthony Drayton, with assistance from Gilbert Williams, the head of the Youth and Development Committee of the Guyana Chess Federation. The Federation extended its gratitude to the David Rose Special School for its continued support.

Earlier this year, the Guyana Chess Federation and the David Rose Special School formed a partnership to host tournaments at the school, fostering the growth of the sport both for the federation and within the Special Education Needs community.

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Darshanand Ramlall, Junior Chess Champion, Narine remarked, Ricardo Narine, winner’s trophy

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