Pitamber and Callender set pace in high-stakes Olympiad qualifier

CM Sachin Pitamber and WCM Jessica Callender have emerged as the frontrunners in the I-CEE Grand Prix III, as the race to represent Guyana at the 2026 Chess Olympiad intensifies.

With four rounds completed at the David Rose Special School, both players remain unbeaten, leading their respective categories in a tournament where every move carries the weight of a potential ticket to Samarkand, Uzbekistan.

In the Open category, Sachin Pitamber has been the picture of clinical precision. He sits alone at the summit with a perfect four points from four matches, navigating a dense field of the country’s top tactical minds.

However, the lead is precarious. FM Anthony Drayton trails by just half a point (3.5), while Alexander Zhang (3) and Alek Ubaldo Singh (3) remain within striking distance. With four rounds left to play this weekend, the pressure on Pitamber to maintain his flawless streak will be immense as the pairings toughen.

The Women’s division sees WCM Jessica Callender leading the charge on 3.5 points. Her path to the top included vital victories over rivals WCM Sasha Shariff and Emma John, though she was held to a strategic draw by the formidable Ciel Clement, who currently shares the 3.5-point mark.

Shariff and John remain constant threats on three points each, ensuring the battle for the top qualifying spots will likely go down to the final clock-press on Sunday.

Beyond the $100,000 prize fund, the true value of the Grand Prix lies in the ELO rating and qualification points. This tournament is the third in a series of rigorous tests designed to select the elite squad for the 2026 Chess Olympiad.

Tournament Standings (After Round 4):

Open: 1st: S. Pitamber (4pts), 2nd: A. Drayton (3.5pts), 3rd: A. Zhang (3pts).

Women: 1st: J. Callender (3.5pts), 2nd: C. Clement (3.5pts), 3rd: S. Shariff (3pts).