Jessica Calendar showcased her exceptional skills and determination as she successfully defended her title at the Diamond Insurance National Women’s Chess Championship, defeating top challenger Aditi Joshi in a thrilling final match.
Calendar demonstrated poise, focus, and talent throughout the championship, ultimately emerging as the overall winner after a hard-fought battle against nine other female contestants.
Her final triumph came on Sunday at the National Racquet Centre, where she clinched victory over Aditi Joshi in a decisive showdown.
In the culmination of the women’s-only 2024 championship, Calendar secured first place, reaffirming her status as the reigning champion.
Aditi Joshi claimed the second spot, while Sasha Shariff secured third place in the prestigious tournament.
Reflecting on her performance, Jessica Calendar emphasized the challenges she faced, particularly in the final round, where she had to deploy all her skills to secure victory in a tough competition.
“It wasn’t an easy journey,” Calendar remarked, acknowledging the intensity of the competition. “I had to remain focused and determined to come out on top.”
Despite the pressure, Calendar maintained her composure and strategic approach, aiming for a thumping win in each match.
However, she acknowledged that relaxation wasn’t always easy to achieve in such high-stakes games.
The tournament featured ten top female players competing over nine rounds across two weekends, providing an exciting showcase of skill and strategy on the chessboard.
While Calendar dominated much of the competition, she encountered a setback in Round Two, losing her only match to Nellisha Johnson.
With her victory, Jessica Calendar reaffirms her position as one of Guyana’s top chess players, showcasing her prowess and resilience in the highly competitive arena of women’s chess.