FM DRAYTON COPS NATIONAL BLITZ CHESS CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE

FIDE Master Anthony Drayton won the National Blitz Chess Championships last  Sunday, April 19th, at the Pegasus Suites and Corporate Centre, Kingston. The  fast-paced, action-packed competition was played over 11 rounds to determine  the Blitz Champion for 2026, and the FIDE Master proved he was still in the game  when he scored 10 points over his opponents. The event was hosted by the Guyana Chess Federation with twenty-two participants, including three female  players. The Blitz, played with a time control of 3 minutes plus 2 seconds added  to the clock after each move, is a thrilling, high-speed game that challenges the  limits of the chess player, demanding them to think fast and play fast, often  resulting in players running out of time.  

FM Drayton came out on top, with his only loss coming against CM Sachin  Pitamber. National Junior Chess Champion Kyle Couchman also gained 10 points  but took the second spot after the tie breaker, when he lost to Drayton in the  sixth round.  

Close on their heels was recently crowned National Rapid Chess Champion, CM  Pitamber, who scored 9.5 points, after losing to Couchman and drawing with  Rolex Alexander.  

CM Taffin Khan placed fourth after tough losses against Couchman, Drayton, and  Pitamber and a draw against WCM Jessica Callender.  

Kishan Puran, no stranger to the chess scene, took home the fifth-place prize  after scoring 6.5 points. His highlighted victory was over Keron Sandiford in the  last round.  

Italy Ton-Chung took home the prize for the best female performer with 5.5  points.  

A total cash prize fund of $175000 and trophies, sponsored by the Guyana Chess  Federation, were awarded to the top five finishers and the best female  performer. The FIDE-rated tournament was supervised by FIDE Arbiter John Lee.  Games were also live-streamed for viewers at home.  

The Guyana Federation extends sincere gratitude to the Pegasus Suites and  Corporate Centre for their kind support and hospitality in providing the venue  for the tournament.

For more information on our chess clubs, membership registration, and  upcoming events, please visit our official website at guyanachess.gy, or follow us  on Facebook and Instagram.