FM Drayton cops National Blitz Chess Championship title

Apr 23, 2026 Sports

(L-R) John Lee, CM Taffin Khan, Kyle Couchman, FM Anthony Drayton, CM Sachin Pitamber, Kishan Puran, Italy Ton-Chung.

Kaieteur Sports – FIDE Master Anthony Drayton won the National Blitz Chess Championships last Sunday, April 19th, at the Pegasus Suites and Corporate Centre, Kingston. The fast-paced, action-packed competition was played over 11 rounds to determine the Blitz Champion for 2026, and the FIDE Master proved he was still in the game when he scored 10 points over his opponents.

The event was hosted by the Guyana Chess Federation with twenty-two participants, including three female players. The Blitz, played with a time control of 3 minutes plus 2 seconds added to the clock after each move, is a thrilling, high-speed game that challenges the limits of the chess player, demanding them to think fast and play fast, often resulting in players running out of time.

FM Anthony Drayton (R) receives his championship trophy from Mr. John Lee, FIDE Arbiter.

FM Drayton came out on top, with his only loss coming against CM Sachin Pitamber. National Junior Chess Champion Kyle Couchman also gained 10 points but took the second spot after the tie breaker, when he lost to Drayton in the sixth round.

Close on their heels was recently crowned National Rapid Chess Champion, CM Pitamber, who scored 9.5 points, after losing to Couchman and drawing with Rolex Alexander.

CM Taffin Khan placed fourth after tough losses against Couchman, Drayton, and Pitamber and a draw against WCM Jessica Callender.

Kishan Puran, no stranger to the chess scene, took home the fifth-place prize after scoring 6.5 points. His highlighted victory was over Keron Sandiford in the last round.

Italy Ton-Chung took home the prize for the best female performer with 5.5 points.

A total cash prize fund of $175,000 and trophies, sponsored by the Guyana Chess Federation, were awarded to the top five finishers and the best female performer. The FIDE-rated tournament was supervised by FIDE Arbiter John Lee. Games were also live-streamed for viewers at home.

The Guyana Federation extends sincere gratitude to the Pegasus Suites and Corporate Centre for their kind support and hospitality in providing the venue for the tournament.

For more information on our chess clubs, membership registration, and upcoming events, please visit our official website at guyanachess.gy, or follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

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Anthony Drayto, Chess master, FIDE, National Blitz Chess Championship

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