TWELVE of Trinidad and Tobago’s finest chess players leave tomorrow to compete in the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Chess tournament in San Juan, Puerto Rico, which starts on Sunday.
The local contingent comprises of four girls and eight boys, who will be accompanied by their parents.
The team is: Najarah Rahamat, Gabriella Johnson, Della-Marie Walcott, Amba De Silva, Alpacino Smith, Vandoff Smith, Alex Walcott, Joshua Johnson, Quentrall De Silva, Sean Yearwood, Kyron Agostini and Jordan Robertson with manager/coach Bhisham Soondarsingh. Trinidad and Tobago Chess Association (TTCA) president, Kamla Rampersad-de Silva will accompany the team.
The TT players will compete for top honours in the Under-8, Under-10, Under-12, Under-14, Under-16 and Under-18 divisions.
In 2009, Under-12 champion Joshua Johnson won gold in the Under-10 category. He is also expected to be among the medals in this year’s tournament.
Johnson recently won the $300 “Best Finishing Junior” prize at the Paladins/Lucozade Chess Open recently.
Soondarsingh said he also expects medals from Yearwood (TTCA Under-8 champion), Smith (V), Johnson (G) and Walcott (D).
He said players have been preparing for the tournament over the past two weeks.
And Soondarsingh is confident that the young players will do well in Puerto Rico.
Rampersad-DeSilva stated that the team is in high spirits and intends to remain focussed, and also acknowledged the parents for their overwhelming support.
The tournament is FIDE rated and group winners will be eligible for Candidate Master titles.
Source: www.newsday.co.tt