MIXED REACTIONS AS TOP CANDIDATES HEAD INTO FINALS OF JUMBO JET / DIAMOND FIRE INSURANCE NATIONAL CHESS CHAMPIONSHIPS

Defending National champions CM Taffin Khan and WCM Aditi Joshi are cautious  about their performance heading into the final rounds of the JUMBO JET /  DIAMOND FIRE INSURANCE National Chess Championships this weekend at the  David Rose Special School. 

In invited comments by the finalists provided to the GCF, tournament leader and  FIDE Master Anthony Drayton said his performance relies heavily on self discipline. “My biggest obstacle is myself—maintaining consistency, discipline,  and clarity across every round. Once I stay aligned mentally and strategically, the results take care of themselves.” 

Candidate Master Taffin Khan was circumspect about the outcome after meeting  all his opponents. When asked who or what stands in his way of securing the  2026 National Champion Title, Khan replied, “What’s stopping me from being  champion again is everyone until the last game.” 

Strong contender Keron Sandiford commented, “The only thing standing in my  way is myself. I know I have the ability to win the 2026 National Championship.  My dedication and my ability to stay focused are what will determine if I come  out on top.” 

Woman Candidate Master Aditi Joshi was confident of her success in defending  her Women’s Champion title. She had this to say, “I think I’m somewhat  accustomed to playing under the pressure of external factors and expectation,  strong competition, and the demands of my CSEC exams that await me. I do  believe I have the ability to play well against my talented opponents and what it  takes to defend my title. I hope to make many in the chess world and beyond  proud with my end results after these nine matches.” 

Winner of the Women’s qualifiers and the youngest contender Kataleya Sam,  focused more developing her talent in this championship. She provided the  following comment. “At just 12 years old, I am the youngest player to qualify for  this tournament, which I consider a significant personal achievement. While I  aspire to become the 2026 National Champion, I recognize that more  experienced competitors present a strong challenge. At this stage, I am focused  on gaining valuable experience and continuing to develop my skills, knowing that  success will come with time.”

So far, four rounds have been played in the Jumbo Jet Auto Sales-sponsored  National Open Chess Championships and the Diamond Fire Insurance-sponsored  National Women’s Chess Championships. The nine-round Round Robin  competitions got underway on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at the David Rose  Special School with two games per day starting from 9 am. 

In the Open Championship, FM Drayton played unbeaten through the first four  rounds to score 3.5 points, securing comprehensive victories against Rolex  Alexander, Jaden Taylor, and Keron Saniford. In the third round, he settled for a  hard-fought draw against National Junior Champion Kyle Couchman. 

The defending champion, CM Taffin Khan, also ended the weekend with 3.5  points. He also remained unbeaten, securing three impressive wins and a hard fought draw against another seasoned young player, CM Sachin Pitamber. 

CM Pitamber, who concluded the weekend with a solid 3 points, maintained an  impressive unbeaten streak, finishing the rounds with two victories and two  draws. 

Couchman and Sandiford are on 2.5 points each, while Rolex Alexander and  Jaden Taylor are on 2 points each. CM Ronuel Greenidge is on 1 point, while  Alexander Zhang and Leslie Campbell are yet to get off the mark. 

In the Women’s Championship, WCM Joshi maintained her impressive  momentum, ending the weekend unbeaten with four points. Her superior  gameplay left her opponents with few answers, as she skilfully navigated each  match to a decisive conclusion. 

WCM Sasha Shariff finished the weekend unbeaten with 3.5 points. Her  consistent play included a strategic third-round draw with WCM Jessica  Callender, continuing the impressive form she displayed during the qualifiers. 

In a resilient performance, WCM Callender is on 3 points by playing unbeaten,  also through the weekend, tallying two wins and two hard-fought draws. 

Ciel Clement is on 3 points, followed by Anaya Lall, with 2 points. Kataleya Sam  and Treskolé Archibald concluded the weekend, each earning 1.5 points.  Rounding out the table were Sana Sreebalakumar on 1 point, with Italy Ton Chung on .5 points, and Parnita Kishun yet to get off the mark.

The competition continues this weekend, and the stakes get higher as players  battle each other for the chance to become the champion. 

The federation expresses sincere gratitude to our sponsors Jumbo Jet Auto Sales  and Diamond Fire and General Insurance. 

All boards for each category will be live-streamed on lichess.org by John Lee,  FIDE Arbiter and Technical Director for the GCF. Results and pairings will be  published on Chess-results.com. 

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