KYLE Couchman once again proved himself a force to be reckoned with as he

triumphantly won the Rouge Salon and Spa-sponsored National Junior Chess

Championship qualifiers last Tuesday at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence.

Couchman played unbeaten with seven points, marking his expected victory after he defeated Candidate Master Sachin Pitamber in round five  in an intense battle that ended in a loss for Pitamber.

The fifteen-year-old, having won the National Junior Chess Qualifiers last year and again this year, is setting his sights on the National Junior Chess Championship title.

The seven-round classic-style tournament, hosted by the Guyana Chess Federation (GCF), lasted four days, following a gruelling and stiff competition among the 59 participants. With a time control of 90 minutes plus a 30-second increment per move, players had ample opportunity to strategise and meticulously plan their moves for optimal results.

Fifteen-year-old Pitamber came in a close second with six points after his loss to

Couchman. As Guyana’s youngest Candidate Master, Pitamber, who holds the

National U-16 title, is also eyeing the National Junior Chess Championship title.

Nicholas Zhang, no stranger to the chessboard, placed third with 5.5 points. The

thirteen-year-old convincingly defeated his opponents, showcasing strategic

talent he honed over the years.

Finishing fourth was Micaiah Enoe with five points, only losing to Couchman and

Pitamber.

The talented fifteen-year-old, who has been playing chess for several

years, defeated Alexander Zhang in a four-hour-long battle in round two.

Enoe scored a thrilling win in an endgame battle with Alexander Zhang. Both players

were locked in an intense struggle that ended on move 66. Enoe began marching

his two extra pawns to promotion, supported by his King and Rook to trap

Zhang’s King. Zhang gave up the fight as the pawns edged closer to promotion

and a looming checkmate of his monarch.

Rounding up the top nine finishers who will go on to challenge the current

National Junior Champion, Ricardo Narine, are Jerod Roberts, WCM Aditi Joshi,

Matthew Singh, and eleven-year-old Aquilani Swaminadha, all with five points.

Alexander Zhang placed ninth with 4.5 points. Joshi, the current Women’s Chess

Champion is the only female to make it to the championships this year.

The nine players were awarded medals for their outstanding performances.

Category winners Maya Khan secured the Best U-8 prize, Vir Narine won the Best

U-10 prize, and Aquilani Swaminadha took home the Best U-12 medal.

FIDE Arbiter John Lee officiated the FIDE-rated competition. The federation

extends its heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Lee for his tireless efforts in ensuring all

games adhered to FIDE rules and fair play. He was assisted by National Chess

Champion, CM Taffin Khan.

The National Junior Chess Championships, also sponsored by Rouge Salon and

Spa, will commence on Friday, August 01, 2025, at the School of the Nations.

The nine-round round-robin tournament will see all ten players playing against each

other, vying for the 2025 title.

The GCF would like to express its sincere gratitude to Rouge Salon and Spa for

their sponsorship of the tournaments. Thanks to the Ministry of Culture, Youth

and Sport for providing the venue.

For more information, follow the GCF on Facebook and Instagram. Visit the

website guyanachess.gy to become a member.(GCF press release)