Couchman victorious at Mashramani Masters Rapid Chess tournament
Kyle Couchman, the 15-year-old prodigy, has again exhibited his skill on the chess board when he emerged victorious in the Mashramani Masters Rapid Chess tournament sponsored by the Guyana Chess Federation (GCF) by gaining a maximum of 7 points to win the first-place cash prize.
In the seven-round Swiss competition which was held at the David Rose Special School in Thomas Lands on Saturday, February 22nd, 2025, Keron Sandiford placed second with 5.5 points, after losing the battle against Couchman and drawing with Women’s Champion WCM Jessica Callender.
The Chess players were engrossed in competition last Saturday
In an unexpected twist, young Rafael Park, who has been on the chess scene for over a year, won the third-place prize with 4.5 points. His losses came in games with Couchman and Sandiford, but he secured a draw with Prince Dunn.
Callender secured fourth place and took home the best female prizes, while WCM Aditi Joshi placed fifth. Both these players finished on 4.5 points.
Notable performances came from Prince Dunn with 4.5 points, while Kishan Puran, Omar Shariff, Matthew Persaud, Cosmos Ikpefuran, and Abel Fernandez finished on 4 points each.
Cash prizes in excess of seventy thousand dollars were distributed to the first to fifth-place winners and the best female.
The Chess players were engrossed in competition last Saturday
President of the GCF, Anand Raghunauth, who was on hand to award the prizes, has encouraged the players to keep playing and learning the game of chess, as this would only improve their game and increase their level of play.
FIDE Arbiter John Lee officiated in the 25-player tournament, which featured a 15-minute time control and a 5-second increment per move.
The Guyana Chess Federation (GCF) hereby thanks the David Rose Special School and all participants for contributing to the event’s success; and
encourages young and old persons alike to discover the world of chess.
An invitation is extended to everyone to follow the GCF on Facebook and Instagram for news and events. All are invited to become a member of the GCF by visiting guyanachess.gy and unlock their chess potential.
