KITTY SQUARE MALL NATIONAL U-16 CHESS CHAMPIONSHIPS THIS SUNDAY

The Guyana Chess Federation (GCF) continues its calendar of tournaments with  the Kitty Square Mall-sponsored National U16 Rapid Chess Championship,  scheduled for Sunday, 15th February 2026, at the Christ Church Secondary  School, with games starting at 9:00 am. 

The tournament features a seven-round Swiss System format. The time control  is 15 minutes plus a 5-second increment per move. Eligible players—those under  age 16 or born after January 1, 2010—will compete for the National Rapid Chess  Championship titles in both the Open and Girls categories. 

From seasoned champions vying for the top spot to newcomers eager to learn,  this tournament brings together the very best of Guyana’s junior chess  community. 

In the highly anticipated Open category, Candidate Master Sachin Pitamber returns for a final stand in the U16 division to defend his title. A talented field of  challengers awaits him, including the Zhang siblings (Alexander and Nicholas),  Alek Ubaldo-Singh, and Rafael Park. Also joining the hunt for the crown are  reigning National U14 Champion Abel Fernandez Ciria, National U12 Champion  Aiden Tinne, former U12 Champion Jeremy Cole, alongside Vir Narine, Aiden  Tinnie, Arush Ramnarine, Aquilani Swaminadha, Julian Mohabir, and Javier  Davenand, among others. 

With Woman Candidate Master Aditi Joshi’s participation unconfirmed due to  scheduling conflicts, the National U16 Girls’ title is wide open. Leading the  charge are reigning girls’ champions Kataleya Sam (U14) and Divya Persaud  (U12). They will face a deep pool of talent, including skilled competitors Rebha  Lachhman, Emma John, Lusianna Farlot, and Angelina Yhap. Other talented girls  are Amaya Sharma, Sana Sreebalakumar, Rachel Raghunandan, Madison  Daniels, Chelsea Harrison, Axela Viera, Maya Ali, and Saura Ruplall, among  others.  

Trophies will be awarded to the top five finishers in both the Open and Girls  categories. Additionally, medals will be presented to the top U14, U12, and U10  players in each division. 

Registration is now open for U16 players at www.guyanachess.gy (see  “Scheduled Events”). Entry fees are $1,200 for GCF members and $2,000 for non-

members. Please ensure all payments are completed via MMG no later than  Friday, February 14th. 

The GCF extends its profound gratitude to Kitty Square Mall for its sponsorship  and unwavering commitment to the development of chess in Guyana as we  nurture the next generation of great chess players. 

The federation also wishes to extend sincere appreciation to Christ Church  Secondary School for providing the venue for the competition.  

For more information on the Guyana Chess Federation or how to become a  member, visit our official website at guyanachess.gy