Pitamber, Ton-Chung to represent Guyana at South American Youth Games

The Guyana Chess Federation (GCF) has announced that the country will be represented by National Champion Candidate Master (CM) Sachin Pitamber and Italy Ton-Chung at the upcoming IV South American Youth Games in Panama, with both players set to compete in the chess segment of the multi-discipline event later this month.
The event is scheduled for April 12–25, 2026, with the rapid and blitz chess competitions slated for April 23–25 at the Metropolis Hall, Decapolis Hotel, in Panama City. According to a press release from the GCF, the duo will form part of the national delegation under the auspices of the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) and will be accompanied by coach FIDE Master Anthony Drayton.

Pitamber, fresh off capturing the 2026 National Open Chess Championship, enters the tournament in strong form. The 15-year-old Queen’s College student, who also holds the national Under-16 title, has already built an impressive résumé at both the local and international levels. He previously represented Guyana at the 45th Chess Olympiad in Budapest in 2024, where he earned his Candidate Master title, becoming the youngest Guyanese to achieve the distinction.
Pitamber played a key role in Guyana’s gold medal success at the Inter-Guiana Games last December.
Joining him is Ton-Chung, an experienced competitor who has also represented Guyana at multiple levels. The 18-year-old University of Guyana student is regarded as one of the country’s top junior female players and brings valuable over-the-board experience, particularly in standard time controls. She was also part of the female team that secured success at the Inter-Guiana Games last year.
Drayton, one of Guyana’s most accomplished players and a seasoned coach, will guide the pair during the tournament. Having previously mentored junior teams at international assignments, he is expected to provide technical support and strategic preparation throughout the competition.
The GCF acknowledged the support of the GOA in facilitating the inclusion of chess players within the national delegation and expressed confidence in the team’s ability to compete against the region’s top young players.