By Travis Seymour
In a stunning display of skill and strategy, young Sachin Pitamber outshone his competitors to claim the National Under-16 Chess title at Marian Academy over the weekend.
Pitamber emerged as the clear victor after seven intense rounds, maintaining an impeccable record throughout the competition.
His closest rival, Kyle Couchman, the 2023 National Under-16 Open Champion, put up a strong fight, but Pitamber’s exceptional performance secured him the title, with a tiebreak serving as the deciding factor.
Reflecting on his victory, Pitamber acknowledged the tough competition posed by Couchman and expressed his gratitude for the coaching and support he received.
This triumph adds to Pitamber’s growing list of achievements, having previously clinched the national U14 title. His stellar performance solidifies his status as one of the rising stars in Guyana’s chess scene.
In the girls’ category, Maliha Rajkumar, under the mentorship of FIDE master Anthony Drayton, emerged victorious, closely followed by Aditi Joshi.
Rajkumar’s strategic prowess and dedication earned her the top spot, further demonstrating the depth of talent in Guyana’s chess community.
The tournament also recognized outstanding performances in various age categories, with Vir Narine and Kataleya Sam receiving accolades as the best Under 12 Open and Girls players, respectively.
Sponsored by the Guyana Chess Federation, the tournament showcased the nation’s emerging talent and served as a precursor to the upcoming CARICOM Classic Chess Team Tournament scheduled for March 3rd to March 10th, 2024.
With the enthusiasm and skill displayed by participants, the future of chess in Guyana looks promising, with the federation continuing to support and nurture the growth of the sport.