PERSAUD WINS WOMEN’S DAY RAPID CHESS TOURNAMENT.

Eleven-year-old Divya Persaud took home the first-place trophy for her standout performance at the Women’s Day Rapid Chess Tournament hosted by the Gambit Group. The event, a collaboration among the Gambit Group, Guyana Chess Federation’s Women in Chess, and the School of the Nations, was held on Friday, March 6, 2026, to commemorate International Women’s Day. A total of 24 females accepted the invitation to compete from various schools, including School of the Nations, Marian Academy, St. Joseph High, St. Rose's High, Christ Church Secondary, Richard Ishmael Secondary, New Guyana School, St. John’s College, and Mae’s Primary School. Persaud, a student at the New Guyana School and the reigning National U12 Girls Rapid Champion, is rapidly cementing her status as one of Guyana’s premier junior chess talents. She dominated the tournament with an impressive, unbeaten score of 6 points, navigating the field with four wins and two strategic draws. Marian Academy’s Tharisha Montes De Oca, no stranger to the chess board, secured second place with 5 points, while schoolmate Angelina Yhap finished third, also with 5 points. Montes De Oca and Yhap have been playing chess for several years and are gradually moving up the ranks of top junior females. The fourth place and Best U16 player prize was won by New Guyana School’s Lusianna Farlot, while St. Rose’s High’s Gabrielle Mohabir took home the fifth place and Best U14 player award. Amaya Sharma, from the School of the Nations, secured sixth and the Best U12 player prize. Medals were also awarded to Shameera Dwarka from Christ Church Secondary, Anaya Lall, Maya Ali from School of the Nations, and St. Joseph High’s Madison Spencer, who placed seventh through tenth, respectively. The girls all showcased their talent and strategic moves in the seven round ten minute Rapid chess competition. The trophies and medals were awarded to the top performers by WCM Sasha Shariff, a member of the Gambit Group, during a brief ceremony. A special thank you goes to the organizing team led by Gambit Group’s founder, Oluwadare Oyeyipo. Along with arbiters Marcia Lee, Keron Sandiford, WCM Jessica Callender, and Nathan Williams. Their tireless work behind the scenes ensured that the tournament was conducted fairly and in strict accordance with the rules. Gratitude is extended to Callender for capturing the tournament photos. A special thank you is extended to the School of the Nations for providing the tournament venue.