Couchman storms to victory in National Junior Chess C’ship Qualifiers

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 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 15-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.

15-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 Under-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 13-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 15-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 11-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 Uner-8 prize, Vir Narine won the Best Under-10 prize, and Aquilani Swaminadha took home the Best Under-12 medal.

FIDE Arbiter John Lee officiated the FIDE-rated competition. The federation extends its heartfelt gratitude to 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, commenced on August 1 at School of the Nations.

The nine-round robin tournament will see all 10 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.