The Guyana Olympiad Chess teams delivered commendable performances at the 45th FIDE Chess Olympiad, held in Budapest, Hungary, which concluded on September 22, 2024.
Notable contributions came from Aditi Joshi, Sachin Pitamber, Loris Nathoo, and Anthony Drayton.
Fourteen-year-old Joshi (1535), competing in the women’s category, achieved an impressive 7.5 points from 10 games, securing six wins, three draws, and only one loss. Joshi’s performance was remarkable, especially given her young age. The Queen’s College student demonstrated confidence and maturity well beyond her years, making her the youngest female Guyanese to earn the prestigious Woman FIDE Master title.
Pitamber (1715), also 14 years of age, and competing in the open category, scored 5.5 points from nine games. Pitamber, another rising star from Queen’s College, played consistently, securing four wins and three draws, while suffering only two losses. He has become the youngest Guyanese player to earn the Candidate Master title.
Guyana’s 45th Chess Olympiad team
Veteran player Nathoo (1786) ended on an impressive score of 3.5 out of 8, earning the Candidate Master title. His notable victories included defeating CM Yoboue Hermann Manan (2030) from the Ivory Coast and FM Soon Wei Yee (2219) from Brunei Darussalam, showcasing his experience and skill throughout the tournament.
FM Anthony Drayton (1964) contributed 3.5 points from nine games on Board 2, with a standout draw against International Master Sameer Loay (2194) from Jordan in the second round.
Drayton went on to defeat CM Brian Cottle (1804) from St Vincent and the Grenadines, FM Simplice Armel De Gondo (2045) from the Ivory Coast and FM J Rodriguez (2002) from Puerto Rico. Drayton’s continued excellence and skill remain evident after years of high-level play.
The Olympiad open team included CM Khan, FIDE Master Drayton, Nathoo, Keron Sandiford, and reserve player Sachin Pitamber. CM Khan (2066), playing on the most challenging Board 1, scored two points from nine games, including wins against St Vincent and the Grenadines’ FM Enemchukwu (2001) and Cayman Islands’ Chinake Kudakwashe (1859). National Junior Champion Keron Sandiford secured two draws from nine challenging games against St Vincent and the Grenadines’ James Schneider (1486) and Sierra Leone’s Brian Adeshole Beckley (1814).
Guyana’s women’s team when they took on Palestine
On the women’s team, National Women’s Champion WCM Jessica Callender earned 1.5 points from seven games, including wins against Grenada’s Chitan Bernel and Vanuatu’s Milfirer Ela. WCM Sasha Shariff gained 2.5 points from 10 games, with one win and three draws. Shariff’s victories included a win over Achazia Lewis from Grenada and draws with players from Equatorial Guinea and Vanuatu, and Mozambique’s Katina Efentakis (1650). Young Ciel Clement contributed two points with victories against her counterpart from Guernsey and Bermuda’s Olga Gontcharova (1567).
Aditi Joshi
During the biennial world event involving close to 200 chess-playing nations, the Guyanese men’s team were matched with Hungary, Jordan, Palestine, Jersey, the Ivory Coast, Afghanistan, Brunei Darussalam, Sierra Leone, Puerto Rico and sister Caribbean nations St Vincent and the Grenadines and the Cayman Islands. Despite individual standout performances, the Guyana open team finished 174th overall. The team won against St Vincent and the Grenadines 3.5:0.5, the Cayman Islands 2.5:1.5, and the Ivory Coast 1:3.
The Guyana women’s team came up against Denmark, Palestine, Grenada, Guernsey, Malta, the Bahamas, Equatorial Guinea, Vanuatu, Mozambique, Liberia, and Bermuda. The team made significant progress by climbing to 145th in the world rankings. The women won against Grenada 4:0, Vanuatu 1:3 and Bermuda 2.5:1.5, and drew their matches with Guernsey and Equatorial Guinea.
Sachin Pitamber
The Guyana Chess Federation (GCF) commends the squad members’ efforts, particularly those who earned new titles and improved their international ratings. The GCF notes that tournaments at this level are highly competitive and only ongoing training, study and dedication will accomplish improved results.
Overall, Guyanese chess players showcased their growing talent and potential on the international stage, highlighting the increasing strength of our chess community.
The GCF has commended the efforts of both teams and expressed gratitude to President Dr Irfaan Ali; the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport and the National Sports Commission for their continued support. The GCF also acknowledged the contributions of team captain CM Ronuel Greenidge, Grand Master Georg Mohr, and Head of Delegation, CM Loris Nathoo.
