Kitty Square Mall National U-16 chess championships set for Sunday

The Guyana Chess Federation (GCF) continues its calendar of tournaments with the Kitty Square Mall-sponsored National U16 Rapid Chess Championship, scheduled for Sunday, February 15, 2026, at the Christ Church Secondary School, with games starting at 09:00h.
The tournament features a seven-round Swiss System format. The time control is 15 minutes plus a five-second increment per move. Eligible players – those under age 16 or born after January 1, 2010 – will compete for the National Rapid Chess Championship titles in both the Open and Girls categories.

From seasoned champions vying for the top spot to newcomers eager to learn, this tournament brings together the very best of Guyana’s junior chess community.
In the highly anticipated Open category, Candidate Master Sachin Pitamber returns for a final stand in the U16 division to defend his title. A talented field of challengers awaits him, including the Zhang siblings (Alexander and Nicholas), Alek Ubaldo-Singh, and Rafael Park.
Also joining the hunt for the crown are reigning National U14 Champion Abel Fernandez Ciria, National U12 Champion Aiden Tinne, and former U12 Champion Jeremy Cole, alongside Vir Narine, Aiden Tinnie, Arush Ramnarine, Aquilani Swaminadha, Julian Mohabir, and Javier Davenand, among others.
With Woman Candidate Master Aditi Joshi’s participation unconfirmed due to scheduling conflicts, the National U16 Girls’ title is wide open. Leading the charge are reigning girls’ champions Kataleya Sam (U14) and Divya Persaud (U12). They will face a deep pool of talent, including skilled competitors Rebha Lachhman, Emma John, Lusianna Farlot, and Angelina Yhap.
Other talented girls are Amaya Sharma, Sana Sreebalakumar, Rachel Raghunandan, Madison Daniels, Chelsea Harrison, Axela Viera, Maya Ali, and Saura Ruplall, among others.
Trophies will be awarded to the top five finishers in both the Open and Girls categories. Additionally, medals will be presented to the top U14, U12, and U10 players in each division.
Registration is now open for U16 players at www.guyanachess.gy (see “Scheduled Events”). Entry fees are $1200 for GCF members and $2000 for non-members. Please ensure all payments are completed via MMG no later than Friday, February 14.
The GCF extends its profound gratitude to Kitty Square Mall for its sponsorship and unwavering commitment to the development of chess in Guyana as we nurture the next generation of great chess players.
The federation also wishes to extend sincere appreciation to Christ Church Secondary School for providing the venue for the competition.
For more information on the GCF or how to become a member, visit our official website at guyanachess.gy