Allicock cops first place in Blitz New Year Challenge

International Chess Federation or World Chess Federation (FIDE) Master Rawle Allicock copped the first-place prize in the Blitz New Year Challenge Chess Competition hosted by the Guyana Chess Federation (GCF) at the Pegasus Chess Club last Sunday, January 11th, 2026. Dominating the seven-round competition with an unbeaten 6.5 points, Allicock has once again proven himself a formidable force.

Fresh off his stint with the English Chess Federation, the Guyanese-born FIDE Master is now raising the bar for local competition.
Keeping pace at the top, Kyle Couchman secured second place in the tiebreaker, also with 6.5 points, truly giving the FIDE Master a run for his money. The two top seeds remained neck-and-neck throughout the event, eventually splitting the point in their fifth-round head-to-head match, played under the three-minute plus two-second blitz increment.
Returning veteran Roberto Neto ended the tournament with six points. Despite a strong showing, he fell short against the two top seeds, losing to Allicock and Couchman in the fourth and sixth rounds.
The best female prize went to WCM Jessica Callender after she scored four points.

A prize was given to the best junior player in the competition, Aiden Tinnie, the newly minted U-12 Open Chess Champion. Tinnie ended with 4 points.
To ring in the new year, 24 players gathered at the prestigious chess club for an afternoon of fast-paced action. The diverse field, featuring six female players, showcased the perfect blend of competitive fire and friendly sportsmanship that blitz chess is known for.
Prize winners shared a total prize fund of $40,000. Under the expert supervision of FM Anthony Drayton, the event ran smoothly, with Drayton overseeing the rounds to maintain the highest standards of FIDE-sanctioned play.
Located at the Pegasus Suites and Corporate Centre in Kingston, Georgetown, the Pegasus Chess Club is open from 11:00h to 18:00h every Sunday. It remains a hub for members to sharpen their skills and master the game of chess.