Alexander Zhang and Anaya Lall emerged victorious in the Open and Girl’s divisions respectively when the Guyana Chess Federation (GCF) staged its National U16 Championship on Monday at the Marian Academy Auditorium, Carifesta Avenue.
This was disclosed by an official release from the GCF.
Zhang finished the tournament with six points to secure the title, defeating the likes of Landon Mohabir, Ethan Persaud, Sachin Pitamber, Alex Benjamin, and Micaiah Enoe while drawing with Dominic Sam and former Under-16 champion and eventual second place finisher Kyle Couchman.
Similarly, national deaf chess player Lall ended the tournament on seven points to secure the crown. She defeated reigning National Women’s Champion Pooja Lam, former U16 title-holder Italy Ton-Chung, former U14 champion Ciel Clement, Arabela Charles, Kataleya Sam, Kristin Xavier, and Amara Branche.
“The competition saw a record number of participants of 79 children. This total included 25 girls, the highest number of females to have competed in a single tournament in Guyana’s history”, the release stated.
According to the release, the event was conducted by FIDE arbiters John Lee and Anand Raghunauth, while Ethan Lee, Sheriffa Alli, Roberto Neto, and Saeed Alli served in the capacities of Assistant Arbiters. The event was sponsored by Century 21.
