Scholastic Chess Championship attracts budding players

Tadan Ferguson, left, winner Under-12 division, receives trophy from Dr. David Sands, 2nd Vice President of Tournaments.

The Scholastic Individual Chess Championship was held at the South Haven Christian Academy, Gladstone Road, on Saturday, February 15.

Several new players participated in the competition. The Scholastic has had a long history of being an introductory tournament for new players. This time, it also served as a qualifier for the CARIFTA Chess Games.

Trinity Pinder was the lone competitor in the under-18 division.

The under-16 division saw Candidate Master Nathan Smith winning that division. Aidan Mart was second and Trevor Bridgewater finished third.

Avian Pride won the under-14 division. Donte Dorelien and Deon Pinder finished second and third, respectively.

In the under-12 section, Tadan Ferguson was able to be declared the winner. Joanna Miller settled for second place. Kendrick Ferguson came away with third place.

Lheerin Hanchell won the under-10 category. Philip Kemp and Max White were second and third, respectively.

In the under-8 division, Lhale Hanchell came out on top. Jayson Taylor finished as the runner-up. Chase Martin had to settle for third place.

This year, the CARIFTA Chess Championships will take place in Georgetown, Guyana from April 9-14. Two players, one male and one female, will qualify to represent The Bahamas at CARIFTA in the under-12, 16 and 20 age categories.

The 2020 Scholastic Individual Chess Championship attracted 41 juniors from over 12 schools, both public and private, throughout New Providence. Participants competed in two sections, under-20 and under-12. The championship game used a blitz format, meaning, all the moves must be made in a fixed time of less than 15 minutes for each player.

“I am impressed with how all the kids progressed and improved as the tournament proceeded”, said Elton Joseph, president, Bahamas Chess Federation.

He explained: “Tournaments are proving grounds for kids; its where young and old compete and match wits for victory. It is also a social place where a civil handshake is made before rounds and usually after the game is over.”

Joseph also expressed his sincere gratitude to Kiddiatrix for sponsoring the championship.

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source https://thenassauguardian.com/2020/02/29/scholastic-chess-championship-attracts-budding-players/