The April Open Chess Tournament 2026 edition concluded successfully on 26th April, bringing together a wide cross-section of Guyana’s chess talent, in both the Open and Junior categories. The event once again demonstrated the steady growth of competitive chess locally, with players displaying increased resilience, fighting spirit, and a willingness to compete at higher levels.
Open Category
Kyle Couchman emerged as the winner, capturing his first AprilOpen title with a commanding performance. He finished the tournament with 7.5 points out of 9, securing the top prize of $300,000. His performance highlighted strong preparation, composure, and the ability to deliver results consistently against quality opposition, reinforcing his position as one of Guyana’s leading competitive players.
Keron Sandiford secured second place with a solid 7 points, maintaining consistent form throughout the event and demonstrating strong competitive discipline across multiple rounds.
Candidate Master Ronuel Greenidge claimed third place, edging out former National Champion Taffin Khan on tie-breaks after both players finished on equal points. Greenidge’s performance reflected sharp decision-making and effective execution in key moments.
Taffin Khan finished in fourth place and was awarded a medal, continuing to demonstrate his experience and presence at the top level of Guyanese chess.
Special recognition awards were also presented in the Open category. Rudy Jadoopat was awarded Best Newcomer, marking an impressive entry into high-level competition. Alexander Zhang received the Bravest Junior award for competing in the senior division and taking on more experienced players, showing determination and competitive courage.
Junior Category
Matthew Singh, an emerging talent in Guyana, delivered a dominant performance to secure first place with an exceptional score of 8.5 out of 9. His performance demonstrated control, consistency, and a clear competitive edge, earning him his first major tournament victory.
Nicholas Zhang, of Queen’s College, finished in second place with 7.5 points, continuing to establish himself as one of the most consistent young performers in the country.
Kataleya Sam, one of Guyana’s leading female players, placed third. Sam continues to perform at a high level and is set to represent Guyana at the upcoming Chess Olympiad. Her performance once again highlighted her strength and reliability in competitive play.
Dominic Sam secured fourth place, marking a strong return to the competitive scene after time away from the game. His result signals a positive resurgence and potential for further improvement.
Javier Davenand, a 12-year-old rising star, came in fifth place, continuing to show significant promise and the ability to compete effectively against older and more experienced players.
Additional prizes in the Junior category were awarded as follows:
-Best Under-12: Mark DeFreitas, recognized for his determination and competitive mindset at a youngage -Best Female: Axela Vieira, who scored 5 points with a spirited fight throughout the tournament -Best Newcomer: Kaleb Ramchandar, also scored 5 points and showing promising development -Youngest Player: Jayon Sookram, at 7 years old, who score an imperssive 2.5 points in this his first involvement in competitive chess.
Conclusion
Overall, the years the AprilOpen Chess Tournament served as a valuable platform for both experienced players and emerging talents. The event highlighted the depth of talent within Guyana and provided important competitive exposure across all levels. The continued development seen in both the Senior and Junior sections reflects positively on the future of chess in the country.
The tournament will celebrate its sixteen years this year, reinforcing the importance of structured training, consistent competition, and developmental pathways as key factors in improving performance and preparing players for international representation.
The April Open Chess tournament management would like to thank the Guyana Chess Federation for its unwavering support and guidance for the tournament.
We would like to thank all the players in this year’s edition of the tournament. To our sponsors, which makes all this possible, a heart-filled thank you – DesignersHouse; SAB Mining & Quarry; Eastern Motors; Victoria Law Chambers; Andrews Supermarket; Maggie’s; Jim’s Variety Store.
