THE XIV CAC Youth Chess Festival ended on Saturday last with the final round in the morning and the closing ceremonies in the evening.

The event marked the culmination of a challenging and exhilarating journey spanning nine rounds of chess.

The festival, which commenced on August 21st, brought together 231 young players aged six to 18 years old from a diverse range of countries, including the Bahamas, Barbados, Costa Rica, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Panama, Saint Lucia, Suriname, and the host nation, the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.

The standout player for Guyana, was the youngest team member, 10-year-old Kataleya Sam. She impressively maintained her third-place standing in the Under 10 Female category, securing a conditional Women’s Candidate Master title. This remarkable achievement awaits official confirmation when she achieves an international rating of 1800 or higher.

In a captivating display of strategic finesse and tactical acumen, Kyle Couchman emerged victorious against the ultimate under-14 Champion, Kael Samuel Bisnauth, in an intense match for the final game of the tournament.
Alexander Zhang showcased his prowess, securing 4.5 points in the under-16 Open.

Italy Ton-Chung playing in the under-16 female category, demonstrated her resolve, concluding with 4 points. Notable victories against rated player Kavita Singh and a draw against Adelia Duffrin, both from Trinidad & Tobago, showcased Ton-Chung’s competitive spirit.

Twelve-year-old Nicholas Zhang played well in the under-12 category, accumulating 5 points and secured a noteworthy draw against Aaron Jaikaran (1268) from Barbados.

The tournament, which was expertly organised by the T&T Chess Association and Caribbean Chess Association, was held at the Cascadia Hotel in Port-of-Spain, and received significant support from the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, through the Ministry of Sport and Community Development. Chief Arbiter, Ishmael Soto Gonsalves (IA), from Puerto Rico, oversaw the games, assisted by Deputy Chief Arbiters Roderick Noel (FA) and Sadiqah Razark.

The Guyana Chess Federation, in a release to the media, noted that it was proud to have participated in the CAC Youth Chess Festival.