Sandiford, Rahim are open, female Century 21 Grand Prix champions
The open round in progress
Junior Chess champion Keron Sandiford emerged victorious in the thrilling Century 21 Grand Prix Chess Tournament that ended on Thursday at School of the Nations, Georgetown, surpassing seasoned senior players like Loris Nathoo, Justino Da Silva, and Anthony Drayton to claim the coveted first prize of $20,000 after eight rounds of intense classical chess.
Grand Prix One Open champion Keron Sandiford
Fellow junior Kyle Couchman secured a well-deserved second place and cash prize of $10,000, while the experienced Nathoo managed to salvage third against the fierce competition from young talents, Nathoo will receive $5000 for the third-place finish.
The Open and Women’s Categories were contested in separate, but concurrent tournaments.
The women’s round in progress
Players were registered to compete for cash prizes from a prize fund of $70,000.
And, with an impressive return to the tournament circuit, experienced senior player Shazeeda Rahim won the female category with a perfect score, recording eight wins from eight matches.
Rahim’s first rank earned her a cash prize of $20,000. Junior Aditi Joshi emerged second after she scored seven wins from her matches. Joshi will receive a prize of $10,000. Reigning Women’s champion Jessica Callender copped third place with five wins, earning her $5000.
Due to the lateness of the hour after the final round, players agreed to receive their prizes at the start of the next Grand Prix tournament.
Grand Prix One women’s champion Shazeeda Rahim
The Guyana Chess Federation (GCF) will continue the momentum with the second tournament in this four-part series, scheduled for early February. Anticipation is high as chess enthusiasts eagerly await what fresh surprises and upsets the next round will bring.
The GCF will be hosting its annual Under-14 National Chess Championships at Queen’s College on January 27, 2024.
