Pegasus Weekly Chess League opens with strong field

Aug 19, 2026 Sports

…McKay, Sandiford, Sreebalakumar among Round One winners

Kaieteur News – The inaugural Pegasus Weekly Chess League made a promising start on Monday evening at the Oasis Building, Pegasus Hotel, ushering in a new era of recurring competitive chess in Guyana.

Organised by Drayton’s Chess Club with support from the Pegasus Chess Club and the Guyana Chess Federation, the opening round attracted a diverse field of players spanning different professions, age groups and levels of competitive experience.

Participants stay keen on making calculated decisions during the opening round.

Among those taking their seats across the boards were engineers, accountants, teachers, coaches, national players, students, a lawyer, corporate trainer, entrepreneurs, a builder and an artist.

The seven-round inaugural season was preceded by a brief opening ceremony during which FIDE Master Anthony Drayton, founder of Drayton’s Chess Club and the League, outlined the vision behind the initiative and plans for its future development.

Drayton explained that the League was designed to offer an alternative to the traditional tournament format by providing players with a consistent weekly competitive environment.

The concept allows participants to return each week, contest one serious game and remain connected to competitive chess without necessarily having to commit an entire weekend to a tournament.

“One game. Every week. Real competition,” Drayton declared.

He stressed that the opening seven rounds represent only the foundation of a broader League concept, with several developments already in the pipeline.

Among the major initiatives announced is the planned launch of the Drayton’s Chess Club website, which is expected to become the digital home of the League. The platform will eventually allow players and followers to access results, standings, statistics and individual competitive histories.

Another significant development is the planned introduction of a team structure from 2027, adding another dimension to the weekly competition.

The opening night also highlighted one of the League’s central objectives — broadening Guyana’s active chess community. Several participants would not normally feature regularly in competitive tournaments, but the weekly format provides a more accessible avenue for working professionals, businesspeople, students, returning players and other enthusiasts.

According to Drayton, the League is not designed exclusively for established tournament players, with participants able to compete throughout the season or, subject to registration and availability, enter individual rounds.

Stiff competition! Scenes from Pegasus Weekly Chess League as Round One concludes.

Brandon Badal, who was specially acknowledged during the opening ceremony for his support of the initiative, expressed optimism about the League’s prospects and its potential for continued growth.

The organisers also thanked Pegasus and the Pegasus Chess Club for supporting the concept and providing the venue, while recognition was extended to the Guyana Chess Federation, invited guests, members of the media and the inaugural players.

On the chessboard, Round One produced several decisive results.

Ryan McKay opened his campaign with a victory over Martin, while Jessica Callender defeated Owen Mickle. Keron Sandiford got past Oluwadare Oyeyipo, and Raymond Sookdeo secured a win over Sachin Beharry.

Sreebalakumar defeated Annastaysha Marcano, while Davion Mars recorded a victory against Jaden Taylor. Odinnie Reece was awarded a point after being listed without an opponent.

Following the opening round, Reece, McKay, Sookdeo, Callender, Mars, Sandiford and Sreebalakumar share the lead with one point apiece.

Oyeyipo, Beharry, Marcano, Martin, Mickle and Taylor remain on zero points, with six rounds still to be contested.

The League’s rating system will operate independently of FIDE and national ratings, providing a persistent performance rating based specifically on games contested within the Weekly Chess League.

With Round One now completed, the Pegasus Weekly Chess League has its first standings, first results and the beginning of individual player histories.

Round Two is scheduled for Monday, August 24, at the Oasis Building, Pegasus Hotel.

FIDE Master Anthony Drayton, founder of Drayton’s Chess Club and the League speaking during Monday opening.

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Annastaysha Marcano, Jessica Callender, Master Anthony Drayton, Odinnie Reece, Pegasus Weekly Chess League, Ryan McKay

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