The Guyana Chess Federation kicks off the National Women’s Chess Championship today at 13:00 hrs. The event will have 7 rounds, with games being played today, June 9, June 15, and June 16.
Maria Varona-Thomas
Registration will begin today at 13:00hrs, with the first round commencing from 14:00 hrs sharp. Current defending women’s champion is Maria Varona-Thomas, Guyana’s first ever Woman FIDE Master, who is heavily favoured to retain her crown.
Varona-Thomas is the number one-ranked female chess player in Guyana, and is number 4-ranked among all active players. She attained the title of Women Candidate Master (WCM) in 2016 at the 2.3.5 Sub Zonal Female Games, and in 2018 she gained the title of Woman FIDE Master (WFM).
Despite the small number of participants attending last year’s championship, an exhibition of riveting chess action was displayed by the females. Known for her creative and aggressive style of play, (WFM) Varona-Thomas played undefeated, obtaining 5.5 points from her maximum 6 games.
Having learnt to play chess via the highly recognised Cuban Chess Programmes, Varona-Thomas was the favourite for the tournament.
According to Varona-Thomas, while she has not been training frequently, she is aware of the competition and the threat it poses. She indicated that, while the girls are training every day, she would not be an easy target, as she would make them work.
Also chipping in with a comment, Guyana Chess Federation (GCF) President, James Bond, also expressed strong belief that Thomas would emerge victorious. Although she may not be training frequently, she is still a force to be reckoned with, he opined.
Some of Guyana’s prominent young female chess players, such as Olympiad Player Nellisha Johnson, Sasha Shariff, Chelsea Juma and Waveney Johnson, are expected to make an appearance as well. The event is open to all female chess players who wish to make a bid for the title.
