Ten-year-old Kataleya Sam and Kyle Couchman are in the hunt for medals at the ongoing CAC Youth Festival in Trinidad and Tobago.
The two players are on four points each in their respective divisions.
According to reports from the Guyana Chess Federation, Sam coming up against Trinidad’s Kira Nanan, was able to checkmate her opponent.
“Sam’s strategic prowess
took center stage. Her gameplay showcased a tenacious blend of aggression, tactical precision, and adept piece coordination, resulting in a compelling assault on her opponent’s king. The meticulously orchestrated sequence of sacrifices and checks culminated in a resounding checkmate, underscoring Sam’s exceptional mastery of the game,” the report from the GCF stated.
Couchman, the national Under 14 Champion, is also on four points and is placed ninth in the Under 14 division. He is down to play Jamaica’s Corbin Harvey, where a win would undoubtedly boost his chances for a medal.
Nicholas Zhang is on three and one half points in the U12 Open category while his brother Alexander Zhang, the Under 16 Champion is on three points after a win against Trinidad and Tobago’s Michael Roberts in round three, coupled with draws against formidable opponents from the Twin Island Republic and St. Lucia in rounds four and five.
Ciel Clement in the U14 female division is on three points while
Ronan Lee in the U18 Open division is on two and one half points.
Three players Kaija Clement, Dominic Sam and Matthew Singh in the
U14 female, U14 Open and U18 Open categories are on two points each and Aniyah Couchman in the U18 female is on one point.
Lee scored a round-5 defeat of the higher-rated Trinidadian player, Keagan Ragoobar while Matthew
Singh was also impressive in his round-3 victory against Trinidad’s Kalel Scoon.
