FM Drayton cops top prize in Independence Day Chess960 tournament

May 29, 2026 Sports

Kaieteur Sports – FIDE Master (FM) Anthony Drayton claimed first place in the Independence Day Chess960 Tournament, sponsored by Trophy Stall and Pegasus Suites. To mark Guyana’s 60th Independence Anniversary Diamond Jubilee on May 26th, 2026, the Guyana Chess Federation hosted the event at the Pegasus Suites and Corporate Centre’s Exhibition Centre.

FM Drayton cops top prize in Independence Day Chess960 tournament

The respective winners display their prizes after the presentation.

The prestigious venue provided a fitting backdrop, instilling a profound sense of national pride in all participants. More than 50 players from the Georgetown area, including 10 female competitors, faced off in the lively seven-round Chess960 tournament. Because this chess variant randomizes the starting pieces and position, it bypasses traditional opening memorization and relies purely on a player’s raw skill.

Drayton proved his mastery of the format, navigating the unique challenges flawlessly to finish the tournament undefeated. He dominated the 7-round tournament, emerging undefeated with a perfect score. Using his wealth of experience, Drayton effortlessly dismantled his opponents across the board. This victory marks the FIDE Master’s second consecutive Chess960 title, following his tournament win last year.

Overseas based Guyanese Mitra Ramgopal, a talented veteran in the chess community, earned the second spot with 5.5 points. Playing in his first tournament after a long absence, Ramgopal made quick work of his opponents. His lone loss came against FM Drayton, while he drew his final game with Rolex Alexander.

Alexander also finished with 5.5 points, but the tiebreaker rules placed him in third. His only defeat came in the fourth round, and he drew his final game.

Odinnie Reece secured fourth place, finishing with a total of five points. He dropped two points during the tournament, suffering losses in the fourth and final rounds.

Scenes from Chess960 tournament at the Pegasus Suites and Corporate Centre.

In fifth place was the current National U12 Open Chess Champion, Aiden Tinne. He also scored 5 points, but due to the tiebreaker rules, he had to settle for fifth place.

Alek Ubaldo-Singh claimed the Best Junior Award, finishing the tournament with a solid 5 points as well.

Fourteen-year-old Varsha Pooran secured the Best Female award, finishing the tournament with 4.5 points. Her standout moments included a 6th-round victory over Kataleya Sam and a draw against Vir Narine in her final match.

Other notable performers were Javier Davenand and Jevaughn Grant, who finished with 5 points each. Vir Narine, Jeremy Cole, Divya Persaud, Dominic Sam, Kim Shing Chong, and WCM Jessica Callender all secured 4.5 points apiece.

The cash prizes plus trophies, compliments of Trophy Stall were distributed to the top performers of the tournament. In a simple ceremony, Terry Mathura, representing Trophy Stall, made the presentation to the top five finishers, the Best Junior, and the Best Female player.

Players were also treated to keepsakes marking the Jubilee celebrations, compliments of the federation.

The GCF extends its sincere gratitude to FIDE Arbiter John Lee and his team for ensuring the tournament was conducted fairly and in strict accordance with the rules, and for efficiently managing the pairings and results on Chess-Results.com.

The Federation extend its heartfelt gratitude to Trophy Stall for partnering with us to foster the growth of chess in Guyana. We also thank the Pegasus Suites and Corporate Centre for their hospitality and for providing a spectacular venue for this event.

For more information on the Guyana Chess Federation, check out our social media pages and website, guyanachess.gy.

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chess, Chess960 Tournament, Diamond Jubilee, FM Drayton, Independence Day

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