Woman FIDE Master Maria Varona-Thomas cruised to a successful title defence as the curtain came down on the Guyana Chess Federation’s National Female Championships Sunday at the National Resource Centre, Woolford Avenue.
Varona-Thomas, with a FIDE rating of 1730, remained unbeaten in her final two rounds to secure the title and solidify herself as the top player in the female division.
After her victorious run, Varona-Thomas said:” I feel happy to retain the title because since last year I didn’t play chess and the younger players are playing every day.”
The champion said that in her opinion the level of the competition was “acceptable” and said that she viewed the competition as a successful one because of the level of competition shown by the young girls, despite the absence of Sheriffa Ali and YoIander Persaud.
Varona-Thomas disclosed that she will be looking to improve her openings as she begins preparation for the Chess Olympiad next year when she will try to get her International Master title.
Chelsea Juma finished with five points as did Nellisha Johnson who was stunned by Angel Rahim in the upset of the tournament.
Samirah Gobin ended with 3.5 points with Sasha Shariff and Rahim closing on three points each. Waveney Johnson managed 1.5 points while Aneesa Hussain did not get on the board having missed most of her matches due to school.
