
Trinidad and Tobago Takes Lead in CARICOM Chess Classic
At the CARICOM Classic Chess Team Tournament, hosted at the Pegasus Suites in Georgetown, Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) has established a decisive lead, gathering an impressive 18 points at the half-mark of this thrilling nine-round contest. Defending their championship title, T&T’s strategy has proven successful as they navigated to a crucial victory against Jamaica in round five, winning 2½–1½, which widened their gap in the standings.
Competition Heats Up: Jamaica and Suriname on Their Tails
Despite the loss to T&T, Jamaica remains firmly in contention with a total of 16½ points, closely followed by Suriname with 16 points. The pressure is mounting as Barbados, with 12 points, aims to recover after a mixed performance. They shocked many with a draw against Guyana A in round four but bounced back with a robust 3½–½ victory over Dominica.
Young Minds and Rising Stars: The Under-16 Division
While the teams vie for the main title, the Under-16 division is also stirring excitement. Talents like Mileke Sinckler from Barbados and Suriname’s Ravish Ramesar are neck-and-neck at 17½ points. Local hopefuls Nicholas Zhang from Guyana and others are positioned to make a difference with four rounds yet to play. The under-16 competition underscores a bright future for chess in the region.
Looking Ahead: The Final Rounds
As the tournament progresses, Trinidad and Tobago appear to have momentum on their side. For Jamaica and Suriname to claim the trophy, both teams will need exceptional outcomes and perhaps a slip from the leaders. Each match is not merely a competition but a testament to the pride and spirit of national representation. This championship echoes beyond the boards, fostering a sense of unity and collaboration among the Caribbean nations.
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