FIDE Candidate Master Maria Varona-Thomas played some excellent chess over two weekends this month to win the Women’s National Chess Championship.
From looking at her first two games, I realized Varona-Thomas was comfortable with the manner in which she handled her positions. Realistically, no woman chess player is on par with Varona-Thomas in Guyana.
When she played amongst the men prior to the separation of championships, Varona-Thomas was a feared competitor. Her closest rival is Sheriffa Ali who did not participate in the championship. Nevertheless, a young group, especially from St Stanislaus College and Marian Academy, is gradually emerging. These young players will certainly give a fair account of themselves in future tournaments.
Chelsea Juma placed second in the championship and Nellisha Johnson was third.
Varona-Thomas represented Guyana at the FIDE 2014, 2016 and 2018 Chess Olympiads, while Johnson played at the 2018 Olympiad.
Meanwhile, the election of office bearers for the Guyana Chess Federation will take place on July 21, at the Racquet Centre, Woolford Avenue.
