Rouge Salon and Spa sponsors women’s chess tournament
Glimpses of what to expect in the women’s rapid chess tournament this Sunday
In keeping with the task of increasing women and girls’ participation in chess, the Guyana Women in Chess Community (GWICC) is hosting another Queenside Rapid Chess Tournament for female chess players of all skill levels on Sunday, October 27, 2024.
The Rouge Salon and Spa-sponsored tournament will be a nine-round Swiss with 15 minutes per player, with 5 seconds added to the clock after each move. Games will commence at 09:00h (9:00 am) sharp at the David Rose Special School.
This competition is the second that the GWICC has hosted this month. The first tournament’s goal was to encourage women and girls who were new to chess or did not have an ELO rating. Twenty-four females participated in that competition, including three women, and the GWICC is optimistic that the turnout for this tournament will be significant.
Notable participants for the Queenside Rapid will be the Women’s Champion, Jessica Callender; U-12 Champion, Kataleya Sam; Treskole Archibald; Emma John; Chelsea Harrison and Saura Ruplall. Winners Angelina Yhap, Rebha Lachman, and Lusianna Farlot from the beginner’s tournament are also expected to compete. Trophies and cash prizes will be awarded to the top six along with the best newcomer.
The women’s arm of the Guyana Chess Federation (GCF) has seen increased participation in chess by girls and is confident that the numbers will increase in the coming months. With chess gaining traction among the youths, the GWICC hopes to bridge the gap of female players in the once male-dominated sport. Women are also encouraged to join the thriving chess community, whether as casual players or competitors.
The GCF encourages individuals to take up the challenge of playing chess, as it has many benefits, such as improving memory, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. Chess has the additional benefit of building confidence and social connections and forging new friendships.
The GCF and the GWICC expressed thanks to Rouge Salon and Spa for making the tournament possible. The Federation noted that it looks forward to the entity’s continued support and sponsorship. The GCF also wished to thank the David Rose Special School for providing the venue.
Persons wishing to join the GCF can log on to www.guyanachess.gy or text WhatsApp number 7074529.
