Jamaica's national chess team clinched their inaugural Caricom Classic Team Chess Tournament title in a thrilling conclusion at the Pegasus Suites and Corporate Centre in Georgetown, Guyana. The tournament, which featured intense competition among Caribbean nations, saw Jamaica narrowly surpass defending champions Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) by a mere half-point, finishing with 29.5 points to T&T's 29.
The pivotal moment came in the penultimate round when Barbados delivered an unexpected 2.5-1.5 defeat to T&T. Barbadian players Emar Edwards and Women's Candidate Master Chanon Reifer-Belle secured victories over T&T's Fide Master Joshua Johnson and Women's Fide Master Ysvett Hermoso Rodriguez, respectively. Additionally, Kemp Lynch held Fide Master Kevin Cupid to a draw, leaving T&T's Zara La Fleur as the sole victor for her team in that round.
Simultaneously, Jamaica faced Suriname and managed a 2-2 draw, setting the stage for a decisive final round. In this crucial match, Jamaica triumphed over Barbados with a 3-1 scoreline, while T&T secured a 3.5-0.5 victory against Guyana A. Despite T&T's strong performance, Jamaica's consistent play throughout the tournament ensured their historic first-place finish.
The tournament also highlighted emerging talent in the under-16 category, with Barbados' Mileke Sinckler clinching the top spot with 6.5 points. Sinckler edged out compatriots Noah Clarke and Aaron Jaikaran, who finished second and third, respectively, showcasing the depth of young chess talent in the region.
Jamaica's victory in the Caricom Classic not only marks a significant milestone for the nation's chess community but also underscores the growing competitiveness and enthusiasm for chess across the Caribbean. The tournament's outcome reflects the dedication and strategic prowess of the Jamaican team, setting a promising precedent for future regional competitions.
Source: Jamaica Gleaner Jamaica edge T&T to win maiden Caricom Classic title
